The Bar Team are currently clearing and cleaning the old kitchen. The future of the kitchen continues to be considered in light of all new input and other priorities and we currently have a team looking into what work would need to be carried out in order to meet hygiene regulations.
There are some complications with regard to the listing building, and it is also understood that the initial costs are quite high. However it has been agreed that this should be researched further, particularly with a view to harnessing heat that is generated from chilling the beer barrels.
The current coffee machine is expensive to run, takes 15 minutes to heat up and is too large to sit in the bar area, which has implications on staffing levels. We are currently looking at alternative smaller machines that could sit in the bar area.
This is very much on the radar of the bar team and we have already introduced a larger range of flavoured tonics and sodas.
Agreed this is a priority. In the first instance, we will instruct the staff to keep the bar area facing the lounge, neat and tidy, so that it is more welcoming for people ordering drinks, and also to keep the lights dimmed to create a better atmosphere. Longer term we will look at lighting and furnishings, and potential creating a history wall feature. We’ll keep you posted.
Update Aug 23: the area is much improved and tidied. The investor meetup group would still like to see a few more soft furnishings, particularly in the nook area. The Board commented that it is important to keep a balance of tables that can be used to eat from, particularly in the winter months.
Whilst this is certainly a good idea, it is an expense and we are lucky enough to have volunteers who will do the stock checks for us. So for now, no, this is not something we intend to spend on.
We hope so. All of our events are monitored for financial and/or community benefit and will be judged on their own merits. For now, the karaoke is popular and is pulling in a crowd, so we have no plans to remove from the schedule.
This is not something we are currently considering, but we are happy to monitor the situation.
Yes there is. The short list currently is as follows:
- Refurbish the brick barn store outside and install new shelving: Completed.
- Complete the upstairs renovations: Undergoing while the accommodation is empty. The flat will be occupied by Reon, the new Bar Manager, providing a valuable additional revenue stream for the pub finances.
- Complete the inside snagging list: Underway
- Continue the garden improvements: Underway
- Refurbish the cellar ceiling: Not yet started
If anyone is interested in the longer list or the costs behind each one, please get in touch with Richard Logsdail.
