£809k refurb almost complete

The College Arms pub, in Peterborough, will reopen on Tuesday (August 18) following a conversion project costing £809,000.

The pub, in The Broadway, which first opened in May 1996 as aL loyds Bar, has undergone internal redecoration and the complete refurbishment of customer toilet facilities. There has also been the conversion of a a large rear yard into a brand-new garden area.

The existing two small walled courtyards, together with a car park, have been transformed to create one large beer garden, to the rear of the premises. The space provides more than 3,000sq ft, 180 covers for drinking and dining, in a variety of individually landscaped areas. Undercover areas are provided in the form of beach huts, pergolas and glass canopies. The outside areas are mixed with soft and hard landscaping and all lit with festoon and lantern lighting.

Along the front of the pub, a new external paved patio area provides additional pavement-side outdoor seating.

Behind the scenes, kitchen facilities and staff areas have also been upgraded.

The DJ booth, together with the sound and lighting system, has also been removed. The College Arms will be open from 8am until 12 midnight Sunday to Thursday and 8am until 1am on Friday and Saturday. Food will be served throughout the day, from opening until 11pm, every day.

Wetherspoon area manager Nick Haste said: “Wetherspoon has spent £809,000 on the pub, providing further substantial investment into the area and creating a beautiful new pub garden. We look forward to welcoming customers back and we are confident that they will be impressed by the brandnew outdoor space.”

Sister pub The Draper’s Arms in Cowgate underwent a £1m-plus refurbishment and reopened in March this year.