South Hams Pub to Undergo Major Revamp

South Hams local, The Old Inn in Malborough, is to close for five weeks from 13th April for a major £240,000 upgrade by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and new licensees, West Country operators 8 and The Neighbours Trade Ltd. The new-look village pub will reopen in mid-May, in time for the summer season, with a new food offer.

The 8 and The Neighbours Trade team is taking on the pub’s lease, having run it on a temporary basis for the last 12 months, getting to know the community and what they want. They will create 12 jobs when the pub reopens and are recruiting a head chef for the pub.

The investment will see a proper commercial kitchen installed with new equipment, allowing the pub to broaden its food offer. A new kitchen pass will also enable diners to see chefs preparing dishes. The menu will offer classic pub cuisine, including home-made pies, fresh day boat fish, and burgers and bangers using locally sourced ingredients. There will also be a carvery on Saturdays and Sundays, the option to buy takeaway fresh fish and chips, and a weekly barbecue in the summer months.

As part of the refurbishment, the dining covers will double to 35. The interior will be redecorated throughout in teal blue and green and have a modern country look and feel. The walls will feature William Morris-style wallpaper and new artwork. There will also be classic wall and hanging glass pendant lights, and an eclectic mix of seating, including leather-covered fixed benches, floral fabric-covered tub chairs, and free-standing wooden chairs with velvet-cushioned bases. The flooring will include herringbone and floral carpets, as well as slate tiled floors.

Outside, a mural of farmers at work is being painted on the side of the pub, and new seating for 40 people will be installed in the garden.

The plans for the pub include regular live music, with more performances during the summer, screening live sports for all major sporting events such as the World Cup, as well as darts, pool, and a pub quiz. The drinks offer will continue as it is, with the addition of a couple of real ales.

Says manager Jemima Holly: “We’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know regulars at The Old Inn over the last 12 months. They’re a fantastic bunch who have made us feel very welcome and who deserve to have a top-quality local. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank everyone – staff and customers – for their support over the last year and for sharing their thoughts on the future of The Old Inn. There’s real excitement about the refurbishment and the new food offer. We’re looking forward to opening the doors and showing everyone the new-look pub.

“In the meantime, to mark the occasion, we’re holding a celebratory thank-you weekend on 10th and 11th April, filled with fun, food, DJs, and live music from 8pm till late. So please join us before the pub closes for its glow-up.”

Says Seb Benton, Star Pubs Business Development Manager: “The Old Inn has had several changes of hands in the last few years, so it’s great that 8 and The Neighbours Trade is committing to its long-term future. The team has many years’ hospitality experience and similar popular pubs in Somerset which attract a loyal following. They have a real appreciation of what regulars want from their locals. I look forward to seeing how they take The Old Inn to the next level when it reopens in May and wish Jemima, her team and its customers many happy years ahead.”