Entrepreneurs set to breathe new life into canalside pub
TWO award-winning entrepreneurs are preparing to breathe new life into a Warwickshire pub as part of a £250,000 investment.
Charles Harris and Nigel Brown, the driving force behind the success of The Stag at Offchurch, voted Best Food Pub of the Year, have acquired a 15 year lease for The Moorings in Leamington Spa from Charles Wells Brewery.
The new landlords plan a full refurbishment the 160-seat canalside venue, creating around 50 new jobs and a new menu. It should be up and running shortly to capitalise on the festive season.
The décor reflects the waterside location and will offer diners a ‘New England’ style atmosphere. The food will be similar to the Anglo French cuisine that has reaped such success for The Stag at Offchurch.
Raymond Blanc’s influence will play a significant role in the style of cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced, fresh seasonal produce.
The team running the pub will include a celebrated head chef and renowned general manager, yet to be officially announced.
Mr Harris said: “We never anticipated expanding quite so quickly, but the chance to acquire such a prime landmark facility within 15 minutes of The Stag was just too good an opportunity to miss. Winning the Publican’s Best Food Pub of the Year put us on the radar of Charles Wells Brewery, and their estate team actually approached us during the awards ceremony dinner at the Grosvenor Hotel in London indicating their wish to do business.”
The new owners are also hoping to attract customers from the business community by offering an extended luncheon menu and a designated space for business meetings and conferences.
