Historic pub getting £250,000 revamp in time for Christmas

A historic pub has closed this week (Friday, October 25) to make way for its £250,000 revamp with the reopening date set for early December - just in time for the festive season.

The Middle Bell on Main Street, Barton-under-Needwood, is believed to date back to the 1700s and has lacked a permanent operator for the past six years. However Terri Phillips, orginally born and bred in Lichfield, took over the pub under the umbrella of Heineken-owned Star Pubs.

Terri originally took over in February and has since worked to ensure that the 15 employees of the pub were not made redundant. After ending these local concerns of job losses Terri has looked to improve the interior and exterior of the pub in this new revamp.

The changes that are due in the overhaul include a careful renovation to the outside of the pub - repainting it a classic cream colour, with signs and lighting also added to the outside - 40 new seats added outside, as well as a 70-seat outside patio to the rear of the pub. This rear patio will include new furniture, festoon lighting and covers for all-year-round use.

There will also be an interior revamp with the aim of preserving the character and charm while adding a contemporary feel. The inside changes include new wallpaper and a new banquette-style table area. Furthermore there will be a new bar, a darts board and new TVs for sports.

The changes are not just limited to the structural changes as there will be home-cooked food, new quiz nights, music nights as well as village events supporting the local community.

However Terri has planned a lot more changes with further additions including cocktails, afternoon teas and barista-style coffee as well as a whole host of different events planned such as beer festivals and music festivals.

Terri said: “I’d looked at lots of different pubs but fell in love with The Middle Bell and the village. I’m very grateful for all the support we’ve had from residents to get it back on its feet. The Middle Bell is their pub, and the revamp is my way of thanking them. We want it to be a hub for the community that local people and good causes can use for their own activities, as well as a great place to eat, drink and meet up.”