Pub undergoes major £200k refurbishment

The Masons Arms will reopen to the public today, after being closed for three weeks for the major overhaul.

The new lease of life follows the takeover by landlord Nik Spence, his cousin Neale Sander and their partners, Michelle Pollock and Lisa Bagnall, in July.

Together with chef Neil Morrison, the team has helped revive the pub’s fortunes, seeing trade increase four-fold.

The refurbishment follows the six-figure investment by Star Pubs & Bars, changing the look of the place.

The pub has been given a warm country inn feel. Traditional features such as slate and wooden floors and beams have been retained, with brickwork exposed and a wood burner installed.

Feature wallpaper has been used and old furniture replaced with classic button-back leather chairs and poseur chairs upholstered in tweed. The overall effect is lighter with lime-washed beams, shabby chic cupboards and walls and soft furnishings in heathland colours.

Seating has been increased and a flexible area created which can be sectioned off for private dining for up to 20. The pub’s kitchen has also been given a major overhaul.

Nik said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming customers to the new-look Mason’s Arms, which is now up to the standard of the food and service on offer. To celebrate the re-opening we’re also introducing a new menu of home-cooked pub classics.”

Star Pubs & Bars has completed another refurbishment in the area recently. The other job has been at the Widdrington Inn, Widdrington, which has undergone a £140,000 refurbishment, bringing it up to date and increasing the number of covers.