A pub in Hanley has reopened after a speedy refurb that has given it a recent look – and a new games room. Customers at The Village Tavern, in Leek Road, have welcomed the work.
Manager Ian Ball made the adjustments after taking up 4 months in the past. Many will know him from the Northwood Inn, the place he discovered his love for the pub trade simply 18 months ago.
When he arrived at The Village Tavern, Ian knew a refurb was due. The 47-year-old mentioned: “It was very darkish earlier than, with a lot of grey and slate colours. I wanted to brighten it up and make it softer. We’ve also had new carpets, turned the perform room right into a video games room and had the outside painted.
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“I was up early mornings and late nights all last week. It was a quick turnaround; we’ve still obtained ins and outs to do.
“There’s been a giant change around here. It wasn’t the nicest clientele before to be trustworthy. Now, we’re getting folks back in who used to return in.”
Inside the pub
Ian has been overwhelmed by constructive suggestions following the refurb, with customers saying the place is brighter and the environment ‘completely different’. He plans to spruce up the boozer’s outside house ahead of next summer and introduce a meals menu.
The free home venue currently has three pool teams and two soccer groups. It is dressed ready for Halloween this weekend.
Before becoming a member of the Northwood Inn, Ian, from Birches Head, had worked in managerial roles at engineering firms. He says he is much happier behind the bar.
He said: “It got here completely out of the blue and I’ve finally found what I need to do with my life. I was usually on the opposite side of the bar, but I completely adore it. It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle, I don’t feel like I’m working. The social facet is nice and I couldn’t ask for extra.”
For regular updates, head to the Village Tavern Facebook web page.
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