Popular Rufford pub set to undergo £1m makeover
In less than a week's time work will begin on a £1m makeover of a popular pub in the heart of Lancashire which will mean it opens all day and create a number of new jobs.
The Hesketh Arms in Rufford will temporarily close its doors at the end of service on Sunday September 27, reopening on Monday November 9.
Whilst protecting the Georgian period features, the entire property will be refreshed, including a new family-friendly outdoor space, a separate outdoor dining terrace and the addition of a pizza oven in an open kitchen, where guests can watch their pizzas being made.
"The addition of pizzas to our menu of pub classics and specials of seafood and seasonal dishes is something we're very excited about," said Hesketh Arms general manager Dave Welding, who has been at the pub for more than a decade.
"It's an evolution, not a revolution," he added. "We're not changing what makes us the hub of this community. We're adding a proper dining offer to what's already a great local.
"We've 160 covers to play with, which means we can have dedicated areas for both diners and drinkers. Three open fires for winter, floor to ceiling windows for summer and quiet corners for coffee, laptops and catching up. Everyone is welcome."
The increased focus on dining will see food served all day from 12pm, and while the pub will re-open on November 9, this is only the first phase of a two-part project, with the addition of 10 bedrooms to offer overnight accommodation coming as phase two.
"We are now recruiting for the jobs this project will create," Welding explained.
“A roaming head chef to support our opening and other projects at our sister pubs, additional managers as well as front-of-house and kitchen team members are all being recruited for this exciting relaunch.
“Anyone interested in a career with us can visit our website www.thehesketharmsrufford.co.uk or come along to our recruitment evening at Rufford Village Hall, October 7, 4.30-6.30pm.”
This project represents the largest and most significant single site investment made by SPC, who own the Hesketh Arms and five other award-winning pubs in Lancashire and Yorkshire.
"This refurb has been a long time coming; it's been planned very carefully to make the most of the space we have at the pub, inside and out," said Joycelyn Neve, founder and MD of SPC.
"It's our first big project in a few years; the Hesketh Arms is a beautiful property and we're incredibly excited for the refurbishment. As well as phase two for the Hesketh, we're actively looking for new sites for next year."