Cheers! Pub ready to launch after big revamp
AHUGE Bristol pub is reopening today following a major refurbishment. The Eastfield Inn on Henleaze Road was taken over in March by Zazu’s co-founder James Savage, after the previous landlord called time at the bar in December.
Keen to turn the fortunes around of the pub that was once his local, James snapped up the lease from building owners Heineken and got to work on a renovation.
When the pub reopens today, visitors will find that the spacious beer garden has been at the heart of its transformation.
The pond has been restored, new trees have been planted and new seating booths have been built that allow guests to enjoy their food and drinks outside no matter what the weather.
A thorough makeover has taken place inside too, with James taking The Eastfield Inn back to its roots.
All the 1990s furniture and lighting has been replaced with reclaimed vintage items from the 1930s - which is when the pub first opened - alongside a new colour scheme.
“The refurbishment has gone
pretty smoothly and the place is looking fantastic,” said James, whose pub company also owns The Alma in Clifton, The Westbury
Park in Henleaze, The Knowle in Knowle and The Greenbank in Easton.
“Although we haven’t changed the layout, I think people will be quite shocked when they see the new styling of the pub, which has changed quite dramatically.
“I was lucky enough to have some old photographs of what the interior of the pub looked like when it opened in the 1930s, and that’s what we’ve based the new look on.
“We’ve got a great team in place and we’re all incredibly excited to get the doors open on Wednesday.”
Food-wise, James said The Eastfield Inn will serve ‘traditional pub grub done well,’ with an experienced chef heading up the kitchen.
To wash it down there will be a wide range of beers to choose from, including offerings from some of Bristol’s most renowned breweries.
James has also brought the skittles alley back and plans to host an array of events from a quiz to live music, which will come as great news to locals.
And with the rescheduled Euro 2020 looming, television screens have also been brought in to show live sports.
“It’s a bit of a cliche but we want the pub to be lots of things to lots of people,” added James. “We want to give people as many different reasons to come here as possible.
“We’ve had a huge amount of interest from people who have messaged to either wish us luck or request to book a table, which is fantastic.”