Loungers opens fourth reimagined Cosy Club in St Albans
Loungers has opened Cosy Club St Albans, the fourth site to feature the brand’s refreshed design concept, following refurbishments in Leeds and Manchester and the new opening in Reading earlier this year.
The St Albans venue, which launched last month, continues the evolution of the Cosy Club format, blending heritage detailing with contemporary design.
The updated food and drink offer includes partnerships with Aubrey Allen Butchers, which supplies heritage steaks, and Baker Tom, which produces Monkey Bread for the group. Two new Malvani curries, based on family recipes from coastal India, have also joined the menu.
Cosy Club MD Lucy Knowles said: “We’re seeing a fantastic response to the new-look Cosy Clubs. This latest opening in St Albans continues to resonate strongly with both loyal guests and new audiences.”
The 37th Cosy Club in the estate, St Albans forms part of a phased rollout of the updated concept, with Cosy Club Swansea set to follow in 2026.
The Priory reopens following £230k transformation
The Priory, located on Micklegate Street in York, will reopen this week following a £230k refurbishment by Punch Pubs in partnership with Charter Inns, part of Queensway Advisory.
The four-week project has given the popular local a redesign, including new signage, a refreshed bar, and a reimagined interior inspired by the pub’s long-standing connection to York Races. The scheme introduces horse-themed décor, upholstered seating, timber flooring, patterned carpets, and upgraded facilities throughout.
A new darts area and lounge area have been added, creating distinct spaces for guests to relax or enjoy live sport and entertainment.
General manager Andrew Spark said: “I’m really excited about this investment and thrilled to be reopening with a refreshed look and offer. Above everything, we want to give back to our loyal guests and ensure The Priory remains a safe, inclusive space for everyone.”
Stormy Pub Company takes on fourth site with The Gateway, Reading
Stormy Pub Company, run by Dave Kesterton and Jason Walters, has taken on The Gateway in Reading, its second Star Pubs lease, bringing the Berkshire-based group’s estate to four sites.
The company, which also operates The Victoria in Tilehurst, The Foresters Arms in Reading, and The Mill House in Thatcham, is undertaking a joint £200k refurbishment with Star Pubs to transform The Gateway back to its original name, The Railway Tavern. The pub will reopen at the end of November, creating 12 new jobs.
The refurbishment will give the pub the look and feel of a classic London-style city pub, with a bar, lounge, and flexible entertainment areas, and will host live music, karaoke and weekly quizzes.
The drinks range will feature premium spirits, lagers, ciders, cocktails, and wines, alongside three real ales and low and no-alcohol options. A light food offer of filled ciabattas and grazing boards will complement the drinks-led focus.
Dave Kesterton said: “There are lots of bars in Reading but no premium pubs. We want to offer residents, commuters and shoppers something different – a more premium experience. Our other pubs are thriving because we continually reinvest, sell premium products, and provide great customer service.”
Stormy Pub Company plans to expand to 10 sites within three years, focusing on community and wet-led pubs within a 15-mile radius of Reading.
The Anchor Digbeth reopens following £100k restoration
One of Birmingham’s oldest pubs, The Anchor Digbeth, has reopened following a £100k restoration led by new landlord Peter Connolly.
Dating back to 1797, the Grade II-listed pub has restored original features including the mahogany and rosewood bar, Minton floor tiles, stained glass windows, and cast-iron radiators, while maintaining the layout of the main bar, back room, and snug. A new garden mural and a redesigned outdoor space complete the renovation.
Peter Connolly said: “It’s a pleasure to finally reopen the doors to this wonderful building. The Anchor Digbeth is a Birmingham institution, and it was essential to restore it in a way that stays true to traditional Irish and British pubs.”
The pub now serves six cask lines and three keg lines, working with local producers including Church End Brewery and Spirit of Birmingham.
East Midlands multiple operator to reopen The Five Bells
Bups Chaggar, a former director at The Restaurant Group, has taken on a Star Pubs lease for The Five Bells in Bugbrooke alongside business partner Denis Gill.
The pair also operate The Three Crowns at Barrow Upon Soar under Star, and three additional leased pubs: The Carrington Arms in Ashby Folville, The Malt Shovel in Barkby, and The Blue Ball in Rutland.
Closed since July 2023, The Five Bells will reopen in early December, creating 15 new jobs following a £400k joint refurbishment with Star Pubs. The investment will transform the site, featuring a new bar and dining area with disabled access, parking, and a redesigned garden space.
The drinks offer will span premium lagers, wines, ciders, and spirits, alongside barista-style coffee served daily. The food menu will feature burgers, Italian dishes, and Punjabi fusion cuisine, aiming to provide a broad, accessible offer.
Bups Chaggar said: “Denis and I have many years of hospitality experience, from corporate management to running village pubs. We appreciate the important role pubs play in their communities and are focused on keeping them open.”
McManus Pub Company invests £350k in The Phipps rebrand
McManus Pub Company has invested £350k to transform a popular Northampton pub, The Sir Pickering Phipps, into The Phipps.
The Wellingborough Road venue has been fully redesigned to blend Northampton’s heritage with a bold, modern look, featuring a new bar, refreshed interiors, and a high-energy social offer centred on live sport, DJs, and weekend entertainment.
MD Gary McManus said: “The Phipps represents everything we love about the modern British pub – heritage, hospitality and great times. This investment allows us to create a venue that reflects Northampton’s character while offering something vibrant and relevant for today’s customers.”
The project has created 15 new jobs and forms part of the company’s ongoing estate reinvestment programme, positioning The Phipps as a key local destination for food, drink, and nightlife.
Tap Social to open new ‘Day Release’ venue at Milton Park
Tap Social Movement, the Oxford-based social enterprise brewery and bakery providing employment for people from prison, will open a new venue called Day Release at Milton Park’s Signal Yard in early 2026.
The launch brings together Tap Social and its sister business Proof Social Bakehouse under one roof for the first time, marking a major step in the company’s growth.
Founded in 2016 by Amy and Tess Taylor and Paul Humpherson, Tap Social has created more than 100,000 hours of paid employment for people on Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) and those leaving prison.
The new venue will serve Tap Social’s range of beers, including its alcohol-free pale ale, alongside artisan coffee, sourdough and pastries baked onsite. An all-day food menu will feature crowd-pleasing dishes and healthy options, complemented by an events programme including live music, quizzes, comedy nights, art workshops, and family-friendly raves.
A new Brew School will also offer hands-on brewing sessions for corporate groups, private events, and aspiring homebrewers.
Co-founder and director Amy Taylor said: “Day Release will deliver a space where people can relax, connect and enjoy great food and drink with purpose, all while experiencing the creativity and inclusivity that defines Tap Social.”
Historic Ship Inn sold to local operator after 20 years
The Ship Inn, a harbourside pub in Stonehaven, has been sold for an undisclosed sum by long-term owner Simon Cruickshank, who is retiring after more than 20 years at the helm.
Dating back to 1771, the property includes 11 letting bedrooms, a 50-cover lounge bar, and the Captain’s Table restaurant, which seats 38 and specialises in seafood.
The new owner, also named Simon Cruickshank (no relation), operates several Aberdeen venues including The Albyn Bar & Restaurant, The Cults Hotel and The Bieldside Inn.
Stuart Johnston, partner at DM Hall, who oversaw the sale, said the process attracted strong interest from private operators seeking well-managed businesses in prime coastal locations.
Outgoing owner Simon Cruickshank added: “The Ship Inn is a very special place and it has been my great privilege to own it for 21 years. I wish the new owners and all the staff great success for the future.”