The Engine plans May reopening after £240,000 refurb
Six additional jobs are being created as part of the investment in the Star Pubs & Bars establishment
The Engine, Walbottle has announced a planned £240,000 refurbishment of its premises ahead of the pub’s reopening in May.
Owned by Star Pubs and Bars and the Drummond Pub Company, the establishment will see six new jobs created, on the back of the investment adding to the four already created by Peter Drummond since he took on the pub lease in March 2020.
The refurbishment was originally planned to take place in April 2020, however was postponed due to the pandemic.
Drummond said: “I’m excited that the refurbishment is finally underway. It will make The Engine more comfortable and enable us to enhance the pub’s food, broadening its appeal. I’m also delighted to have Robert on board as our chef. He’s fantastic and very capable having previously run his own successful pub restaurant in Durham.
“Thank you to the Walbottle residents who have made me feel so welcome during these difficult times. My intention is for the pub to remain a local pub, whilst improving the quality of the surroundings and food and drink. I want it to be somewhere the community can be proud of.”
Gary Corney, the regional operations director at Star Pubs & Bars, said: “Peter has done an amazing job creating a popular pub at the heart of the community in spite of the challenges created by Covid.
“The changes being made will help him build on his success, taking The Engine to a whole new level. With houses being built nearby, there is a real need for a quality pub offering great drinks and affordable, top-quality pub food.”
He added: “Pete is a fantastic licensee and with his vision and our combined investment, The Engine I am sure will thrive and attract both locals and customers from further afield. I wish him and his team well.”
