Carlisle pub’s major revamp will create 30 jobs

By Matthew Legg Business editor

Last updated at 10:11, Saturday, 28 April 2012

Thirty new jobs are to be created in Carlisle after a drinks giant revealed plans for a huge investment in a city pub.

The Turf

Brewer and pubs group Greene King is to invest a six-figure sum in a radical refurbishment of the Turf Tavern, off Hardwicke Circus.

The pub will close today for builders to move in and reopen in June rebranded as a ‘Hungry Horse’ family food pub.

Paul Newsham, the pub’s general manager, said: “This is fantastic news for the Turf and for Carlisle.

“This is a significant investment by our owners and the pub is going to be completely transformed.

“We’re all very excited and can’t wait to get it open and show people the new look.

“ It’s going to be very much a family pub, with a fantastic new menu and really fun atmosphere.

“It’s great to be taking so many new staff on and creating jobs for the local community.”

Much of the pub’s interior will be ripped out to make way for a “contemporary look”, featuring leather-covered seating booths with integrated TVs.

The pub’s outside area will also be revamped and a children’s play area added at the rear. The toilets will be shifted to a new upstairs area.

Owner Greene King said: “The new and improved pub will have something for all the family to enjoy with the bar and restaurant undergoing substantial changes to create a fantastic atmosphere.

“There will be a great range of soft drinks, wines, lagers and real ale.

“We will have an exciting Hungry Horse menu that will have a choice of food to suit everyone. The refurbishment will be creating 30 jobs for local residents.”

Greene King said last week that sales at its UK pubs grew by 4.6 per cent in the 50 weeks to April 15, with growth continuing in the past 13 weeks at 4.5 per cent.

The increase was driven by demand for dining out and food.

The firm said its Hungry Horse brand, which will be installed at the Turf, has grown to 180 sites across the UK.

First published at 09:00, Saturday, 28 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk