The Birches Head, situated on Birches Head Road, saw hundreds attend the launch on 22nd April where local residents were the first to see the pub’s transformational makeover and sample the new food and drink menus.
“The launch was really busy and all of feedback was extremely positive. Everyone is amazed by the new decor and customers have commented that it is more welcoming and stylish without losing the traditional, friendly pub atmosphere,” said licensee Pete Dawson.
Refurbishment work was undertaken at the pub for six weeks costing £170,000 by licensees Peter Dawson and Jennifer Viggars and owners Punch Taverns, one of the UK’s leading pub companies.
As a result, the investment has created 27 new jobs within the local area.
Inside, the pub has been given a fresher look and feel and the restaurant and lounge areas have been completely transformed with the addition of pictures and crockery from the Potteries.
To strengthen the pub’s focus on food, there is a waiting-on service and a fresh new food menu has been created featuring home-made pub favourites and using, where possible, locally supplied ingredients.
“We have been really busy and since we started doing food, it has really taken off. We have received lots of complements about the new menu and we get booked up in advance. The family feast deals on Wednesdays and themed food nights are also proving really popular and we plan to develop the food offers going forward,” Pete continued.
The new bar area which features a brand new HD 3D TV which is perfect for watching sports, and will have a wide selection of drinks including three different cask ales.
A range of speciality coffees and afternoon teas, served on a range of Staffordshire’s fine bone china, have also been introduced.
“The best thing about the investment has been the customer reaction – they like the fact that the drinkers and the diners have been catered for. Our function room is also proving popular and we are seeing bookings every day for room hire,” said Jenny, who is looking to marry Pete on Friday 7th.
“The local community are really pleased to have their pub back and I am also seeing a lot of new faces which is great.
“The pub looks fantastic; it is more stylish, modern and overall more welcoming. What’s more, customers like the fact that it celebrates the Potteries. The investment has enabled us to offer the community something different with a new food menu, a range of cask ales and coffees, sport and live entertainment every Friday and Saturday.
“We have been overwhelmed by the customer support. We are enjoying welcoming customers old and new to the pub and encourage those who haven’t done so, to come and try our new food and drink in the new look surroundings.”
Punch Taverns’ Regional Business Manager, Matthew Blackwood, is also looking forward to the new look pub: “It’s great that Punch invests so heavily in our pubs and the investment has retained the heritage of the Birches Head, celebrating all that’s great about Stoke whilst giving it a more contemporary appearance.
“Following their opening success I have every confidence that Pete and Jenny will put the Birches Head on the map as one of the leading pubs that can provide great food and drinks for residents in Stoke.
“Pete and Jenny have been well-received by the local community and I look forward to working in partnership with them as they take the pub from strength to strength.”
The Birches Head, Birches Head Road, Stoke on Trent, ST1 6LL.