Gastro-pub to rise from the ashes following Boxing Day blaze

The owner of gastro-pub The 3 Acres has revealed plans for the future of the Huddersfield restaurant, as refurbishment gets underway following a devastating fire on Boxing Day 2023.

Lead contractor, Radcliffe Construction, is due to start work on site imminently and will carry out an extensive programme of works to the entire building, including a complete kitchen rebuild, in a bid to bring the restaurant back to its former glory.

Owner, Tom Truelove, and wife, Lauren, have also revealed plans for eight new luxury bedrooms, new interior schemes, and an update to the restaurant’s Oyster Bar.

Tom said: “Myself, Lauren and the team here are excited to share a glimpse into what we’ve been working on over the past few months.

“Firstly, great food and an amazing atmosphere have always been, and will remain, at the heart of The 3 Acres – and both will certainly continue when we re-open.

“We’ve made a few decisions to refresh our interior schemes in the bar and main restaurant area, whilst being mindful to maintain the age and integrity of what was there before.

“We are very keen to ensure that when we welcome our guests back to the Acres, it ‘feels’ the same with a sense of nostalgic familiarity.

“We hope to make the bar area an informal space where guests and residents can have a drink in between lunch and dinner.

“Things will still feel familiar, though; most of our infamous memorabilia that has been collected over the last 56 years and adorns the walls and halls of The 3 Acres survived the fire, and will be back taking pride of place.”

Lauren said updates to The 3 Acres menu could be on the horizon.

She explained: “As a chef and foodie, Tom is naturally very excited about the plans for our reimagined Oyster Bar. We can’t say too much yet, but guests can expect a more immersive dining experience in this much-loved corner of the Acres.

“We’re also taking the opportunity to evolve our menu a little. Tom and our head chef, Tom Davies, are currently enjoying the process of starting to experiment with old classics and new favourites, whilst ensuring flavour and locally sourced ingredients remain paramount.”

Tom added: “We’re taking the time to knock down a few walls to redesign our bedrooms and create comfortable accommodation that overlooks the rolling hills beyond the Acres.

“Our bridal suite will of course remain for guests who choose to get married with us, and Lauren has been working closely with our interior designer, North Yorkshire based House of Joan, to curate luxury schemes for each of our bedrooms.”

Commenting on when the venue is likely to re-open, he said: “Rushing would mean compromising, and that’s just not something we’re willing to do as a family-run business with a heritage of more than 56 years delivering exceptional hospitality.

“At the moment, we’re on track for the first quarter of 2025, but of course we’ll share more in due course.”