Blackpool Local to Close for Major £450,000 Revamp

The Plough in Staining, on the outskirts of Blackpool, will close from Monday 8 June until 30 July for a major £450,000 refurbishment, reopening in time for the summer holidays.

The investment by HEINEKEN UK-owned Star Pubs will introduce a brand-new food offering and give the pub a new lease of life as a family and dog-friendly community local.

The transformation will create 15 new full and part-time jobs, ranging from kitchen staff to front-of-house roles. Recruitment will take place during the week commencing 8 June, and anyone interested in applying should visit the pub's Facebook page.

Inside, the pub will feature a bar, dining area and dedicated games space, all designed with the look and feel of a modern country pub.

The games area will include seating for 23 people, a halo-lit darts board, a new pool table and a high-definition TV for watching live sport. A further three high-definition TVs will be installed throughout the pub, allowing customers to enjoy live sport from every area.

The refurbishment will also include new decorative lighting, artwork, feature wallpaper, carpets and flooring throughout. The bar will feature a mix of booths with privacy screens and freestanding furniture, while the dining area will offer banquette seating alongside a variety of tables and chairs.

The toilets will be completely refurbished, with new cubicles, vanity units and tiling, as well as the installation of a new accessible toilet to ensure the pub can be enjoyed by the whole community.

The kitchen is being upgraded to enable The Plough to offer a comprehensive food menu designed to appeal to all ages, including a dedicated children's menu. The menu will change with the seasons and feature pub favourites such as burgers, fish and chips, grilled steak, gammon and chicken. Food will be served throughout the week, with themed promotions including Fish Fridays.

A more premium drinks range, including craft ales, will also be introduced, alongside a barista-style coffee offer.

Outside, new signage and lighting will enhance the pub's appearance. The garden will provide seating for up to 154 people, with A-frame tables, benches, artificial grass and festoon lighting creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Entertainment plans include a regular Thursday night quiz and, once the refurbishment is complete, live entertainment at weekends. The pub will also welcome darts, pool and football teams.

Following the refurbishment, The Plough will be run on behalf of Star Pubs by Brad and Jo Peacock. Originally from Blackpool, the couple have spent the last 18 months successfully running a pub in Cumbria.

Brad began his career in the licensed trade after leaving school before moving into healthcare, where he has worked as a paramedic for many years. He will continue to practise alongside his work in hospitality.

Brad also dedicated seven years of his spare time to volunteering with a local lifeboat crew, working alongside an incredible team. However, following his relocation, he was unable to continue this role.

Joanne began her career as a radiographer before qualifying as a mammographer. After many years working in diagnostic imaging, she progressed into management, overseeing a general X-ray department within a busy hospital.

Brad said:

"We reached a point where we both felt ready for a fresh challenge and a complete career change. We decided to give pub management a go and absolutely loved it — especially Joanne, who has really flourished in the role, bringing her professional approach into the licensing industry. However, we missed our family in Blackpool, so we decided it was the right time to move closer to home.

"The Plough felt perfect for us from the moment we saw it. Staining is such a welcoming village, and we could immediately see the potential for the pub to once again become a real hub for the local community. Coming from a paramedic background, I've spent years helping people through some of their most challenging moments. Now Jo and I are looking forward to bringing The Plough back to life and restoring it as the beating heart of village life, which we're excited to become part of.

"The location also means I'll still be able to continue practising as a paramedic alongside running the pub — although hopefully I'll be seeing people enjoying themselves across the bar rather than during a shift!"

Star Pubs Business Development Manager Richie Roberts said:

"We're delighted to be investing in The Plough to revive it and create a local hub that offers something for everyone — a place where local residents can come together and socialise.

"The refurbishment of The Plough is part of HEINEKEN UK's £44.5 million investment this year to upgrade and reopen pubs across the country."