West Midlands operator takes on third Star pub lease
The pub company is undertaking a joint £120,000 revamp of the site with Star Pubs and Bars to bring it up to date
West Midlands-based multiple operator, pub@group Ltd., has taken on its third Star Pubs and Bars lease in five years, The Hare and Hounds in Halesowen, with plans to take on a fourth Star pub in the next year.
The pub company is undertaking a joint £120,000 revamp of the site with Star Pubs and Bars to bring it up to date and in line with the standard of its other pubs, The Railway in Lye and New Inn in Stourbridge.
Following a £270,00k refurbishment of The Hare and Hounds in 2018, the latest investment will be spent on a top to toe internal and external redecoration including new furniture.
Subject to receiving the necessary consents, pub@group Ltd. said it intends to extend the terrace to create a “fantastic” outdoor drinking and dining area.
The drinks selection will include a good range of real ales, premium lagers and ciders as well as an array of gins.
The Hare and Hounds will reopen at the end of August, creating 10 new jobs.
Craig Dedicoat, who runs the company, said: “We create quality community pubs but with a difference. Rather than fish and chips or pie and mash, all our pubs offer premium quality street food.
“Each pub has a speciality – The Railway at Lye beefburgers from The Hangry Moose; at The New Inn rotating street food stalls in the garden; and at The Hare and Hounds it will be chicken-based street food from The Hangry Moose. Rather than just a Sunday lunch, we put on a DJ and karaoke from 14.30 to 19.30. It’s proved popular with customers so we will be doing it at the Hare and Hounds too.”
He added: “We have built our business in spite of covid and the cost-of-living crisis by giving customers quality and reasons to come out and socialise, whether that’s for a quiz, live sport, darts and pool, great quality food, live entertainment or Sunday karaoke.”
Thomas Timmons, Star Pubs and Bars business development manager, said: “I couldn’t be more delighted that someone of Craig’s calibre has taken on the Hare and Hounds. He has a proven record in the area of turning around pubs and delivering what customers want.
“Star Pubs and Bars is also delighted to be investing again in Halesowen, having undertaken a refurbishment of the Hunting Tree last September. This latest refurbishment takes The Hare and Hounds to the next level and keeps the offer fresh.”
