Darlington based pub operator, D&G Pub Company and Star Pubs & Bars are investing over £300k on refurbishing two Darlington pubs – The Wheatsheaf in Yarm Road and The George in Bondgate.
Work has started on The Wheatsheaf, where D&G Pub Company area manager, Phil Buckley is pictured, and the pub will be closed until 21 August. The modernisation of The Wheatsheaf will broaden the appeal of the pub, transforming it into a great family friendly dining pub offering all-day food, coffee and Sky sports. 10 jobs will be created as a result.
A new extended open kitchen with purpose-built carvery is being installed so that customers can see their food being prepared.
The large lounge is being revamped with a new bar and comfortable booth and high-level seating to cater for different groups. New French doors are being installed at the rear of the pub leading to a newly laid lawn seating area with picnic benches for alfresco eating and dining.
The pub will open from 10am serving light breakfasts and barista style coffee and tea. Light bites, snacks and sandwiches will be available all day as well as lunch and dinner. All food will be freshly prepared and the menu will feature Teeside’s Chicken Parmo and pub classics including The Wheatsheaf’s special burger with a choice of home-made sauces and Sundary carvery.
The plans for The George include a complete internal and external refurbishment of the tired community pub to bring it up to date and improve facilities for customers.
Diane Hutchinson, director of DG Pub Company said, “Our plan is to upgrade our whole estate through modernisation and renewal and to make our offer more premium throughout.
'The world is changing, consumers are trading up and it is important our pubs change too. Our next move is to open a premium gin bar, appealing to millennials.”
Gary Corney, operations & sales director at Star Pubs & Bars said, “We’re delighted that our investment with D&G Pub company will bring The Wheatsheaf and The George in line with consumer’s changing needs whilst retaining the spirit of the great traditional pub.
'Pubs need regular investment and to continue to develop their offer to be sustainable in the long-term. All-day food, premium products and coffee are what people want and have come to expect from their local pub.”
