Pub uses lockdown time for a refurb with a new cosy feel
A PUB in Marchington has undergone a refurbishment ahead of reopening today.
The Dog and Partridge has undergone changes costing around £7,000 ahead of its indoor reopening date today.
The owner, Paul Needham, has spoken about how he plans to get punters back in after a difficult year for the hospitality industry.
The pub has also been revamped with part of the room widened with a new fireplace being brought in.
Mr Needham said: “We had a warning at the start of 2020 of possible flooding from the brook that runs next door to the car park. We had one or two close calls so we had to reorganize our furniture.
“When we started to put the furniture back, I just thought to myself that the place could do with a lick of paint. And everything kind of grew from there.
“So we’ve turned an area that was mostly used for standing and drinking into a proper dining area. We’ve put in a new oak wall plus some antiques to really give the place a cosy, intimate feel.
“We’ve also put in a new log burner to really add to the nice atmosphere we have in this section of the pub, as well as these old church pews that we got online to accompany some new traditional pub tables we have bought.
“New fixed lighting is in place and we’ve moved things around to improve the flow once people come in.”
The music of American rock legends Bruce Springsteen and R.E.M. will also feature in a series of live music events planned at the Church Lane pub.
Mr Needham, 63, said: “When I first took on the pub just under nine years ago, we didn’t really have anything like live music, so I knew it was something I had to bring in.
“I’m most definitely happy to have live music back; I’m hoping it can bring in a younger generation into the pub.
“We’ve got a Bruce Springsteen tribute who I’ve seen before in the village hall and sounds identical to the Boss. We also have a tribute to R.E.M. one of my favourite bands.
“So for the June events we’re having some acoustic talent from people who live near the pub. We’re putting on an event called Music and Dine, which is where we have tables distanced, plus some live music on Sundays through June.
“It has worked well for us before Covid so I think it will work well after too. We already do themed nights, so Wednesdays are steak nights plus ‘Third off Thursdays.’ I’m hoping that the pub trade can be properly revitalized with our special events.”
Mr Needham has highlighted how difficult the year has been, but has said that he is optimistic about the future.
He said: “When we first found out about the lockdown back in March last year, it came as a bit of a shock.
“It was difficult until we started doing takeaway food as that was at least something. We did start doing that earlier than the mainstream national fast food places.
“The weather also worked really well for us last year, and I think people generally felt more optimistic.
“When it came round to reopening in July, we were holding our own well. People were having staycations and were generally enjoying what Staffordshire has to offer.
“We also did the Eat Out To Help Out scheme, which worked well even though we were only doing food on Wednesdays.
“I thought personally it was a good incentive, but other traders said that they were concerned that it would destroy weekend trade.
“However, you just go with what you’re told. We got a restart fund of sorts from the Government, but we got that in April, I think I would have preferred that in May when we were open again.
“So far this year, the weather has been utterly miserable, so we are looking forward to when we can have people inside
“We do have a small patio area but it’s almost not been worth it really given the weather. We don’t have bookings because we have heard experiences of people booking a collection of restaurants and only turning up to one. That’s really bad as we cannot afford to have any empty tables.”