Pub to re-open next month following six-figure upgrade

A pub in the centre of Thorner, near Leeds, has closed its doors for a £195,000 overhaul designed to help it thrive for the long-term. 

The investment will upgrade The Fox on Main Street into a traditional local complete with a garden and a new menu.

The project is being carried out by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and new licensees David Baines and Sarah Barrow, who moved to Thorner from Morley to take over The Fox in April. The pub will reopen in mid October.

Work on the property will transform its exterior, adding gold signage and heritage-style lighting.

The large rear garden will also have a makeover, receiving new furniture, festoon lighting and a covered pagoda with cushioned booth seating.

Interior works will make the venue more comfortable and welcoming for customers.

Artist’s impression of what exterior of pub will look like after works are complete

The pub’s wooden beams, flagstone floors and old fireplace will be renovated and complemented with new furniture. And a new kitchen will enable Baines and Barrow and Sarah to introduce home-cooked food.

Previously working in the automotive trade, Baines and Barrow were looking for a change of direction post pandemic and, as keen pubgoers, decided to take on one of their own.

Baines said: “We fell for The Fox as soon as walked in. We were after a proper pub that could play a part in the community, and with its traditional feel and location in the heart of the village, The Fox ticked all the boxes.

“We’d like The Fox to be an asset to Thorner and an amenity everyone can enjoy. We’re trying to provide everything we like to see in a pub. The investment is just what’s needed; the designs are beautiful and the pub will look fantastic inside and out.”

Star Pubs area manager for Leeds, Jay Weir, said: “David and Sarah have incredibly high standards and are very focused on delivering exceptional service.

“They have put their all into The Fox since taking over and are seeing lots of new customers as a result.

“We’re happy to be working with them to take the pub to the next level and put it back on the map. It will be an outstanding local for both Thorner and the surrounding villages.”