Development company boss snaps up popular pub

Popular village pub-restaurant, the Bottle and Glass in Harby, on the border of Nottingham and Lincolnshire, has been bought by a local developer.

The Bottle and Glass will reopen on April 15 after James Kirby, who owns development company Stirlin, bought the venue from its previous owners, The Wig & Mitre Group.

Kirby has purchased the pub with a friend and business acquaintance, after becoming aware of the opportunity through a mutual friend of the previous owner, Valerie Hope.

He said: “The acquisition has provided a wonderful opportunity to venture into the hospitality sector, as we approach an end to what has been an incredibly challenging period. With cause for optimism, I believe this is exactly the right time to invest into the sector and I am delighted to be able to invest in such an exceptional pub.”

An initial refurbishment programme has taken place over the past six weeks, predominantly focused on providing customers with an improved and enhanced outside area to enjoy during the first phase of restrictions being lifted next week.

Kirby added: “A critical element of the refurbishment brief was to capture and safeguard the traditional charm and character of the pub that is loved by many. The pub will remain under the same management and we are retaining the existing team of skilled and passionate staff. Our aim is to continue to build upon the pub’s fantastic reputation, while enhancing the offering and facilities for our customers.”

Previous owner of the pub, Valerie Hope, said: “The Bottle and Glass was the last acquisition of The Wig and Mitre Pub Group and it has brought us much pleasure. We especially enjoyed developing the pub and building the micro brewery. It has been difficult coming to the decision to sell, but we are thrilled and excited for what, we are certain, will be a brilliant refurbishment. James has an eye for the future and is committed to our team that have helped us to build the reputation that the pub enjoys today. We wish them all every success and look forward to seeing it flourish under this new dynamic ownership.”

Daniel Woodhouse, who manages the Bottle and Glass, said: “I am delighted that James has taken ownership of the pub – his passion and expertise assures me that the pub in excellent hands and I am excited for its promising future.”