Arusha Group expands with Star amid £475k investment

Star Pubs and Bars has announced a joint refurbishment of Uxbridge’s The Bear on the Barge with Arusha Group worth £475,000.

The venture sees Arusha Group take a substantive lease on the pub, in turn representing the firm’s third site with Star. 

Following December’s completion of the renovations, which commence in mid-September, the venue will be renamed as The River Garden.

Due to trade as a bar and restaurant as part of a new direction for the site, the relaunch will also see the creation of 30 new jobs.

James Hulston, area manager at Star, said: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with Arusha Group again and to be investing in such a high-profile site with them. 

“The garden is stunning and has proved a fantastic asset over the pandemic. The investment will premiumise the pub to complement the outdoor space and provide further really solid income streams.”

The refurbishment comes amid Star’s £38m 2021 investment programme, which includes 80 major pub renovations.

Included in the additions will be a new cafe-style patio area, seating 30, a stretch tent and adult games area for the 600-cover waterside garden, and space for an additional 50 covers inside the venue.

Sandy Bhambra, co-founder of Arusha, added: “Subject to availability of suitable leased sites, I can envisage growing to a group of 10 or more venues. 

“Pub companies own a lot of the best pubs in this area and leasing from them works perfectly for us as we can expand more quickly.”