Pub ready to relaunch after £250k makeover

CAFE BAR CREATED AS PART OF MAJOR REFURBISHMENT

REFURBISHMENT work costing £250,000 is under way at a 125-yearold pub.

The Western, in Western Road, Leicester, will gain a cafe bar as part of the renovation.

It is part of a joint investment by business owners John and Moira Rossiter and brewery Everards.

The cafe bar will serve food and coffees during the day, then take on the role of a bar as it heads into the evening.

It will also serve pre-theatre dining for those taking in a show at the onsite theatre, which is home to theatre group Upstairs at the Western.

The pub itself is receiving a full makeover.

John and Moira are also the business owners of the Sir Robert Peel, in Jarrom Street, Leicester.

Th Western is their second pub with Everards. They plan to open in late July if restrictions are lifted.

Moira said: “We got the keys to The Western about a year ago.

“It was a pub we were keen to take on as our own, so when the opportunity came up, we were very excited and could see just how much potential the pub had to bring something exciting to the community.

“We took The Western on during the first lockdown, not realising the doors would be closed this long.

“It’s been a difficult and uncertain time for us, just like it has for everyone in hospitability.

“We have such great plans for The

Western and so much passion for the pub industry, but with no money coming in through either of our pubs, at times it’s been a struggle to stay positive.

“Everards have been fantastic during this time, as we know they would be after having the Sir Robert Peel with them for five years.

“Together, we decided now was the right time to transform The Western, which has sparked our excitement once again.

“The pub is looking great as we see it change daily and we can’t wait to welcome the community to their new pub this summer.”

Steve Russell, business relationship manager at Everards, said: “With new and very experienced business owners John and Moira at the helm, The Western is set to be put back at the heart of the community.

“The introduction of a contemporary cafe area with its own entrance creates an additional offer to back up its traditional beer and spirit business and will offer an additional service for the theatre patrons.”