£230,000 Revamp Promises New Chapter for Bishopton’s Only Pub – The Squirrel

Bishopton’s only pub is set to close for a £230,000 refurbishment that will broaden its appeal and give it a new lease of life.

The investment in The Squirrel on Drayton Avenue will transform it into a superb local, boasting great live music, an extended menu and one of the best sports zones in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. Following consultation with local residents, The Squirrel will be renamed The Bishopton Arms to mark its new direction.

The project is being carried out by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and Keith Marsden, who took on the lease of The Squirrel 18 months ago with the goal of turning the pub into the top community pub in Stratford-upon-Avon. Bishopton resident Jayne Morris, who has lived opposite the pub for more than 20 years, will remain at the helm as the publican, running The Bishopton Arms on behalf of Keith alongside a team of local staff.

The pub will close after last orders on 27th September and is expected to reopen at 6pm on 16th October. To minimise disruption, the pub’s garden kiosk, Greggory’s, will remain open from Tuesday to Saturday throughout the closure, serving freshly made pizzas and a selection of drinks.

The exterior works will involve repainting The Bishopton Arms and adding new signage and lighting, giving it a premium look that enhances the centre of Bishopton. The prominent garden will also have a mini makeover, with new furniture, festoon lighting and a revamped, all-weather, 55-seater covered pagoda with its own TV.

The extensive refurbishment will transform the interior with stylish, contemporary décor. Everything from the furniture and flooring to the toilets and soft furnishings will be replaced or renovated, and the interior will be opened up to make the pub feel warmer and more welcoming.

To cater for all, The Bishopton Arms will boast a spacious bar, a comfortable lounge area and an all-new dedicated sports zone. A haven for sports enthusiasts, the zone will be equipped with a pool table, a darts wall featuring halo-lit darts with electronic scoring, and a 100-inch screen showing Sky and TNT Sports. Keith believes this will be the biggest indoor screen in Stratford-upon-Avon. Further screens around the pub will allow fans to watch multiple matches simultaneously.

Other improvements include a kitchen refit to enable The Bishopton Arms to serve a wider range of food.

With a shortage of places to eat out nearby, the pub is adding authentic Indian cuisine alongside its popular stone-baked, hand-stretched sourdough pizzas. Customers can look forward to classic Indian curries as well as Indian fusion favourites, such as chips loaded with lamb pasanda, freshly prepared by new chef Rakesh Romario. All food will be available to eat in or take away.

On the drinks front, customers can expect an extensive choice covering all the bases, from cask ales and craft beers to prosecco and spirits.

Jayne and Keith want the pub to build on its reputation as a hub of local life. Activities will range from sports teams, bingo and poker nights to a new programme of music-focused events. Plans include DJs, karaoke, a pop music quiz and regular live music at weekends.

The pub’s operator, Keith Marsden, comments: “Pubs are still the beating heart of communities across the land, and we aim to give Bishopton one of the best.”

Manager Jayne Morris says her vision for the pub is simple: “The Bishopton Arms will have a warm welcome for all, with a friendly vibe that offers music, the best sports bar in Stratford and relaxed, street-food-style food. It’ll be a great night out, every day of the week.

“It’s a lovely local, but the current state of the building doesn’t do it justice – it’s tired and dated and in need of TLC. Bishopton has expanded in recent years, with lots of new homes built. We want to give residents a second-to-none pub on their doorsteps.

“People are really excited about the plans. The Bishopton Arms will be beautiful when the works are done. We can’t wait to welcome residents in and show them their new-look local.”

Star Pubs’ Area Manager for Stratford-upon-Avon, Ken Talbot, adds: “Keith and Jayne have done sterling work revitalising the pub over the past 18 months. We’re delighted to be investing in The Bishopton Arms and backing them in taking it to the next level as a fantastic local that is an asset to the area.

“It will be like a brand-new pub, with a new name and a new offer. We’re working flat out to launch The Bishopton Arms well in time for the festive season.”