Traditional Alnwick pub gets £100K makeover and creates 12 jobs

An Alnwick pub has been rebranded with a new name and fresh look thanks to a £100,000 joint venture that has created 12 jobs.
The official opening of the newly-refurbished Tavern Steakhouse and Lodge, Fenkle Street, Alnwick. From left: Rebecca Davies, new business development manager for Punch; publican Chris Hume; Mayor of Alnwick Bill Grisdale; and Simon Lynch, partner development manager for Punch.The official opening of the newly-refurbished Tavern Steakhouse and Lodge, Fenkle Street, Alnwick. From left: Rebecca Davies, new business development manager for Punch; publican Chris Hume; Mayor of Alnwick Bill Grisdale; and Simon Lynch, partner development manager for Punch.
The official opening of the newly-refurbished Tavern Steakhouse and Lodge, Fenkle Street, Alnwick. From left: Rebecca Davies, new business development manager for Punch; publican Chris Hume; Mayor of Alnwick Bill Grisdale; and Simon Lynch, partner development manager for Punch.

Pub company Punch and publican Chris Hume have teamed up to invest in The Market Tavern on Fenkle Street.

They have renamed it The Tavern Steakhouse and Lodge and expanded the food and drink offer with a distinct Northumberland flavour.

Inside the Tavern Steakhouse and Lodge restaurant.Inside the Tavern Steakhouse and Lodge restaurant.
Inside the Tavern Steakhouse and Lodge restaurant.
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Chris said: “Our aim is to create a quality restaurant and bar backed up by excellent customer service. Our menu now has broad appeal with something to suit everyone, from the family enjoying a quick midweek meal out, someone staying in one of our B&B rooms on business or customers looking to celebrate a special occasion.

“We have a wide range of wines to complement our menu, which includes traditional Northumbrian dishes, and an excellent range of steaks from a 6oz to a 1kg T-bone. A quality range of spirits is also available alongside three cask ales.

“Thanks to the support and investment from Punch, the old Market Tavern has been given the makeover it deserves and I’m delighted with the results. I have a pub to be proud of and look forward to welcoming new customers and developing the business further.”

The refurbishment of the former traditional market-town pub has included full redecoration throughout, while retaining the pub’s old charm. New dining booths have been installed in the restaurant with existing seating re-upholstered and floors sanded and re-polished.

Inside the bar area of the newly-refurbished former Market Tavern.Inside the bar area of the newly-refurbished former Market Tavern.
Inside the bar area of the newly-refurbished former Market Tavern.
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Wooden flooring and wall panelling has been introduced in the bar area and the bar updated. Both the ladies and gents toilets have also been given a facelift.

The Tavern Steakhouse and Lodge also has seven en-suite, B&B rooms which are being refurbished on an ongoing basis.

The venue’s regular entertainment programme includes live music from acoustic and rock musicians. New quarterly, speciality nights are planned where publican Chris and his team will host wine tasting evenings and games nights.

Rebecca Davies, new business development manager for Punch, said: “With Chris’s vast knowledge and experience in the bar, restaurant and hotel industry, The Tavern Steakhouse and Lodge is going to go from strength to strength. Chris and his team place the customer firmly at the heart of everything they do and I’m looking forward to supporting them continually as they build on their success.”