9th September 2020
Written by Mr Robinson
The Pooley Bridge Inn, located in the centre of the pretty little village of Pooley Bridge only moments away from the shores of Ullswater, has reopened following an investment of over £1M from Stockport based Robinsons Brewery and new licensee, Mat Cooper. The reopening – one of the largest investments in Robinsons’ tenanted pub estate - was originally planned for late March but had to be postponed. With restrictions now relaxed, the pub has opened to the public and has been a popular spot for ‘staycations’, offering mouth-watering food and picturesque views of the village.
Kyle McGregor, Operations Director at the Pooley Bridge, said: “We absolutely love the new Pooley Bridge Inn and so do our customers! The place looks stunning and after months of worry and the disappointment of missing out on our original opening day in March, trade has taken off like a rocket. August sales were up by 70% on last year, boasting the great beer sales in Robinsons pub estate as a whole. We’ve recruited a fantastic team and we feel the whole guest experience from top to bottom is now on a completely new level. Our COVID friendly spacing gives us 397 covers inside and out, meaning there’s lots of space for everyone to enjoy. We also scored over 90% guest satisfaction for hygiene practices, COVID safety measures and cleanliness, highlighting the safety of our pub during this difficult time.”
The pub has undergone a complete internal and external transformation, with an extension to the rear allowing further space to accommodate additional customers. Externally, the pub has been refreshed with black and white paint, and now boasts a rear and front external courtyard with covered seated booths, festoon lighting and an external bar; existing as the perfect suntrap for all to embrace away from the village bustle.
The Pooley Bridge features a stunning new spacious bar, roaring open fires, free Wi-Fi and a relaxing ambience which welcomes both dogs and children. The new-look pub will continue to serve a rotating range of cask ales along with a premium selection of world lagers, wines and spirits – with the introduction of Robinsons’ new Hopnik Citra IPA in keg, Helles Lager Bier and Robinsons premium Stout.
Simon Taylor, Business Development Manager at Robinsons Brewery, commented: “The Pooley Bridge now certainly meets the expectations of today’s tourists and visitors. The village was left isolated after Storm Desmond of 2015 (the new bridge is due to re-open in late October 2020), and we wanted to give the village a new lease of life. The bedrooms are rich in heritage and cosy with feature floral walls and sandblasted oak beams, perfect for guests ranging from single travellers to families or couples. The Pooley Bridge offers a delicious brand new menu, embracing scrumptious pub classics, hearty pies and local steaks."
Upstairs, the pub’s 12 newly refurbished en-suite bedrooms offer guests the perfect place to rest their head after a busy day of exploring the vast beauty of Pooley Bridge and the surrounding areas. Overnight guests can start the day with a full English breakfast and all the trimmings – or partake in a lighter continental-style alternative.
Large structural changes showcase transparent glass dividers between sections of the pub allowing for an improved customer flow. Grey stone walls have been brought back to life, retaining the rich heritage of the pub, partnered with complimentary furnishings to add character and flare. New floral fabric seating adorns the premise, working perfectly with brand new oak flooring and timber panelling throughout.
The kitchen, car park and toilets have additionally undergone major improvements – with a new accessible toilet.
For more information on the Pooley Bridge, please visit pooleybridgeinn.co.uk or call the pub directly on 017684 86215
For more information on Robinsons Brewery, please visit robinsonsbrewery.com, like them on Facebook here, follow them on Twitter here (@robbiesbrewery) and on Instagram here
