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19 January 12 £500,000 investment for Brakspear pubs Open
£500,000 investment for Brakspear pubs
Two Brakspear pubs are undergoing major refurbishments at a total cost of over £500,000. The Crown at Playhatch has closed for a complete redevelopment and will reopen in late February, while The White Hart at Nettlebed is opening seven new bedrooms.
The Crown, one of Brakspear's most successful food pubs, is being redesigned throughout. The result will be a more open, airy pub-restaurant with additional tables for diners and a resited, larger bar area. Outside, the pub's attractive garden and patio areas are being re-landscaped to create more space for al fresco dining. All 10 bedrooms are also being completely refurbished.
The Barn Room, a characterful space already in demand for wedding receptions and other functions, is being redecorated for the key spring and summer period. A new entrance into the pub will lead guests straight into the new bar area, while the kitchen is being completely refitted with high-spec equipment. .
Both The Crown and The White Hart are run by The Tailor Made Dining Company owned by Ted Docherty and Dion Korving. Docherty said, "The redevelopment of The Crown effectively brings this 16th century inn into the 21st century, but without losing its traditional pub character. We're looking forward to welcoming more guests to drink and dine with us and hope that finally, we get a proper summer so that they can enjoy our wonderful new outdoor space, which we have more than doubled in size."
Developments at The White Hart in Nettlebed mark the second phase of this pub's transformation, following a £250,000 investment in April last year. The focus this time is on accommodation, with the addition of six new bedrooms and one new 'honeymoon suite' comprising luxury bedroom, lounge and en-suite bathroom. The new rooms have been created in a house adjoining the pub and bring to 19 the total number of letting rooms at the site.
Tom Davies, Brakspear chief executive, said, "These are challenging times for pubs, but we're confident that our investment in both these very successful sites will be worthwhile. Talented tenants like Ted and Dion are managing to grow trade, despite the downturn, by offering customers the 'pub essentials' of great food and drink, consistently high standards and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere."
Brakspear owns great pubs to rent, tenancies, leases, in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire and other parts of the south-east and south Midlands.
