At Fairland, as specialist pub refurbishment contractors, we like to stay up to date with news in the pub industry. Now, there’s a common misconception that the ‘local’ pub is dying. But from our experience, we’d beg to differ. We think there’s a significant pub resurgence!
Why we believe the pub resurgence will continue
With the advent of the internet, we became more isolated as a nation. There has been an inevitable backlash against this in recent years. People have begun to reappreciate the importance of going out to socialise. People continue to enjoy eating and drinking out of the house. They want to visit stylish and modern pubs and restaurants. Significant events, such as last year’s World Cup can have a massive impact on the pub industry. The ‘local’ remains the hub of activity in many towns and villages up and down the country. There have been many instances where locals have clubbed together to keep the vital link of the local pub open in rural communities.
The Craft Union Pub Concept
The Craft Union Pub Company operates with a philosophy that aims to put brilliant pubs back at the heart of local communities. The company began introducing this concept in the North of England. Its success has encouraged the adoption of a similar strategy in London and the South East. We’ve started to see the complete refurbishment of pubs which were not reaching their full potential. They might include pool tables, darts and Sky sports. Simple no-frills food is often served. The décor is fresh, simple and modern and usually incorporates a gesture towards the local environment and history of the area. This is turning out to be a very successful concept and is very much putting local pubs back into the heart of many towns.
Pub Love
Another very successful company leading pub resurgence is Pub Love. Pub Love is refurbishing pubs in London with light, airy and modern interiors. They’re offering burgers and pizzas. Additionally, hostel accommodation is often incorporated into the upstairs areas. The last Pub Love refurbishment contract we completed in Pimlico had a hostel accommodation area. It also had 95% occupancy on the opening night!
Victorian Pubs for the 21st Century
Central London still embraces the traditional Victorian pub as an important place to meet after work to catch up with colleagues. But successful pubs have recognised the importance of doing things a little differently. Creative ways of providing outside drinking areas are very much the focus at the moment. The milder climate has influenced this move as has the smoking ban. We’ve seen the advent outside televisions and screens, stages for live music. Covered seating areas with heaters and phone charging points are springing up everywhere.
Pubs for the whole family
Long gone are the days when Mum and Dad would plonk the kids outside with a bottle of coke and packet of crisps. The family market is a significant sector within the pub industry. Successful pubs will now often provide welcoming areas for parents with young children to meet for a coffee in the morning. Well designed and well-placed play equipment is also a considerable enticement for weekend visitors.
The importance of pub refurbishment to pub resurgence
It is vital to keep the pub premises updated and refurbished. We have seen a massive movement in recent years to provide very stylish and inventive interiors. This particular trend probably started ten to fifteen years ago. Jamie Oliver was among the first to ensure his restaurants were strikingly different to look at with their highly styled shelves, bric-a-brac and tiling. Design is continuing to become more and more inventive. Even in smaller out of town premises. As specialist pub refurbishment contractors we also know how essential it is to make sure the flow of the pub works. There should be enough space for drinking, for eating, for casual coffee drinking and for working and conducting meetings.
Pub refurbishment on a budget
In any one year, Fairland will complete over 250 projects nationwide. The £10,000 ‘sparkle’ projects are just as important as the £2 million hotel refurbishments.
When it comes to pub refurbishment, simple changes can make a huge difference to your premises. Even up to date and fresh paintwork can liven things up. Too many pubs still seem to feature dated pine panelling. Transform this with some heritage paint.
A rearrangement and replacement of pictures and bric-a-brac can update a pub very quickly. A considered arrangement of collectables can add a point of difference. Think fans, tambourines, hats, cogs, rolling pins… Anything really, let your imagination run wild!
Vintage furniture can be purchased very easily and can add depth and history to a scheme. Lighting is vital, and just the dimming of lights and the addition of candles to your tables immediately offer a much more intimate experience.
Finally, ripping up old carpets and revitalising the floor underneath is such an easy way of modernising a pub which has seen better days. It’s amazing how quickly we can transform a trading area!
If you’re looking for a pub refurbishment contractor, contact us about your project.
