Former shop that was an Aladdin’s cave has a new life as a micro pub
ROWELLS, an old-fashioned shop which closed after serving a town for more than 100 years, has reopened as a micro pub.
The one-time “Aladdin’s cave”, which sold everything from curtains to underwear, closed in June 2019 when owner Bob Marshall called time on a shop that had been run by three generations of his family in Long Eaton.
In a nod to the former town staple the new venture, in High Street, has been named Rowells Drinking Emporium.
“We figured there’s no point in changing the name because, no matter what we call it, people will say they’re going to Rowells for a pint,” said Martin Edwards, who has joined with Nigel Rout and son Tyrell Gaunt to open the pub.
“Bob and his wife, Rosie, are chuffed with the name. They planned to come to the opening.”
The big knickers, tea towels and dusters that the shop was known for are long gone, replaced by beer, cider, wine, spirits and coffee. The revamp has taken a year and cost around £100,000.
Those who have been inside have been taken aback by the transformation. Martin, who runs a firework shop in Long Eaton, said: “The first thing they say is ‘wow, we didn’t realise it was so big.’ The next thing ‘is that floor original?’ – no it’s not.
“They are all surprised. We’ve had a permanent trail – we’ve been doing tours for weeks now. It’s nice that everyone’s positive about it.”
As micro pubs go, it’s one of the bigger ones. There’s space for up to 50 people. Since it’s been remodelled, visitors are amazed how spacious it is without all Rowells’ wares.
The makeover, which has taken a lot of hard graft, pays homage to the former shop, retaining some of the original wooden shelving and cabinets, while one of the old counters is now the bar top.
Knick-knacks create a sense of nostalgia – from old-fashioned street lamps and vintage Homepride flour man Fred to an wooden washing mangle and a hobby horse. Nottingham lace hangs from the exposed brick walls and a fancy parquet floor has been laid.
Nigel, who has gone from 40 years in screen printing to helping run the pub, said: “Everything’s reclaimed. There’s not a lot of new stuff. The floor is recycled as are all the cupboards.”
The owners are hoping they have created a cosy, relaxed atmosphere where everyone feels welcome, with the feel of a proper old-fashioned boozer complete with drinks and bar snacks.
Tyrell, who has worked in pubs, will be managing Rowells Drinking Emporium. He said: “We want it to be chilled and laid-back. People can come in and have a beer or a coffee or whatever.
“You can come in by yourself and feel safe and have a chat with us behind the bar or somebody else. We want to make it feel comfortable.” The pub will be open from noon until 11pm every day in the run-up to Christmas.
“I think pubs should be open every day. I don’t like this business where you think you can manage on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” added Martin.
A new cellar with a stained-glass window featuring a peacock has been built within the property for all the casks and kegs.
The beers - including some from local breweries Blue Monkey and Castle Rock - will change regularly and will be determined by the popularity with drinkers.
For the opening the cask selection includes Elsie Mo, Infinity, 22 and Sherwood Reserve and kegs of Pravha, Jute and Huckaback, and ciders that are vintage, raspberry, rhubarb and Santa cider.
The large windows of Rowells were a constant target for vandals but the owners are hoping to replace the cracked glass with the help of a grant.