Local pubs are a vital hub for communities. But local landscapes change, and that means the pub needs to diversify too. While the local still offers a chance to socialise and watch sport, they also need to have spaces that adapt to host business meetings or mum’s coffee groups. A pub refurbishment can help meet these changing needs, but thought should be given into how locals can be kept on board!
The Urban Local Pub versus The Rural Local Pub:
These days, a good rural local pub will often offer a Gastro dining environment. A well thought out menu with weekly specials keeps the locals coming through the doors. Outside spaces and play areas to accommodate families with young children are important too.
An urban-based local can be quite different. It needs to accommodate drinkers rather than diners. With space for workers to socialise at the end of the day.
Both types of pubs have one thing in common. They are constantly working towards adapting to the ever-changing communities around them.
A recent project of ours on the edge of a busy commuter town offers breakfasts and bottomless coffee for a couple of hours every morning. With offices surrounding them, they are tapping into a lucrative local market. Free wifi and a comfortable working environment encourage business meetings. They are also tempting people who work from home to enjoy a little local networking during the working day.
Locals Supporting Locals:
Pub owners and landlords in popular tourist areas make the most of this additional market by offering information on local attractions, maps of the area and leaflets relating to local walks and local history. This strategy sees twofold results. Firstly, it helps with ratings and recommendations on tourist sites (like TripAdvisor). But, perhaps, more importantly, it helps to keep neighbours on board who reap the economic benefits of locals supporting locals.
Refurbishing the Local:
Creating an environment which represents the local area and its history is essential if you’re trying to stay in touch with the residents on the doorstep.
Crown and Treaty – Uxbridge:
We recently completed a large refurbishment of the Crown and Treaty in Uxbridge. This pub’s huge historical past had been forgotten for decades.
Part of the pub dates back to the 17th Century. It was a meeting place for Charles I during the English Civil War. The original panelling is still in place in the upstairs rooms and we needed to take great care with this feature. The pub was beautifully restored with rich wallpapers and tapestries and pictures celebrating the pub’s history.
Finally, the new owners found lots of pictures of Charles I. There were lots to choose from (apparently he was a very vain man). These little touches add a huge amount of interest for visitors and locals alike.
The Daylight Inn – Orpington:
The Daylight Inn – Orpington:We have also recently completed works on The Daylight Inn in Orpington. This pub was given its name in honour of local resident, William Willett, a campaigner for daylight savings. The new interior reflects this historical interest. There are beautiful features of sundials around the pub.
Often a pub group will take over a selection of pubs. To keep the surrounding community happy it’s essential to reach out to residents. Find out about local history or interesting natives. Pubs often started life with a name which reflected local events. Renaming a pub with its original title can often help keep locals onboard.
If you’re looking for a local pub refurbishment company talk to us we can help.
