Six-figure investment at Peak District pub

A six-figure funding deal from Royal Bank of Scotland is supporting major redevelopment work at a popular Derbyshire village pub, The Ketch at Kniveton.

The work will include a brand new orangery and kitchen extension, while changes to the pub’s roof and the entire pub is also to be redecorated and new areas furnished.

Once completed, the new building is set to provide increased capacity for an additional 40 covers. Two brand new suites are also being created, enabling the pub to offer overnight accommodation for the first time. Once completed there will be a two bedroom en-suite apartment and a one-bedroom en-suite apartment available for overnight stays. It is hoped that a number of new jobs will be created as a result of the work taking place.

In addition to the extensive refurbishment works, the pub is also being taken over by a new management team, Jayne Phoenix and Tom Robson.

Independently owned, The Ketch at Kniveton was acquired in July 2013 by husband and wife team Vance and Claire Leahy along with sister Terri Leahy.

Vance Leahy said: “We are really pleased that our plans to develop the pub are underway. The Ketch is very popular in the local area and as a result we want to create additional space so that we can accommodate more customers and satisfy demand.

“It is very much business as usual here whilst the work is ongoing and we will not be closing during any of part of the project. We are undertaking all aspects of the building work ourselves as a family and it is progressing well.

“We are also looking forward to welcoming Jayne and Tom to the business. They both have the same vision for the business as we do and I know they will be welcomed and well-liked by our regulars.”

Jayne Phoenix, manager of The Ketch at Kniveton, said: “We are really excited about our move to The Ketch and are looking forward to meeting our new customers. The pub has an excellent reputation in the local area and beyond, and we intend to continue to run the business to the same exacting standards. The improvement works are a real bonus for us and will provide us with the perfect platform from which to continue to develop the business.”

Anna Ellison, senior relationship manager at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “We are pleased that we have been able to support the team at The Ketch with funding for the improvement works. Once completed, they will provide the business with the opportunity to increase revenues and achieve growth and we are looking forward to seeing the finished results.