The Middle Bell pub in Barton under Needwood is experiencing a new lease of life following a £400k investment to transform the pub.
 
The pub, owned by Punch Taverns, re-opened on Friday 9th December by the High Sheriff of Staffordshire with new business partners Paul and Martin Cottrill at the helm, creating over 20 new jobs.

The extensive joint refurbishment has created two restaurants, ‘Di Mezzo’ an Italian restaurant, serving fresh pasta and pizza using an authentic Italian stone base pizza oven. The gastro cuisine restaurant offers homemade quality food, using the best local and seasonal ingredients, with a high standard of customer service.  A traditional, homely bar has also been created for customers just wanting a drink in welcoming surroundings.

Paul Cottrill said: “The Middle Bell is a great traditional village pub and we’ve worked really hard to transform it into a welcoming venue that will cater for everyone in the community. The re-opening was a fantastic success and the pub has been really busy ever since. We’ve been nearly fully booked over the Christmas period and we’ve received extremely positive comments from customers.”

The pub has been decorated in a traditional style, complimenting the character of the pub and bar with cosy log burning fires.

Paul added: “We have had great support from Punch Taverns in the refurbishment of the pub and we are looking at ideas for the New Year, such as themed nights, to put the Middle Bell back on the map for the local community.”

Punch Taverns’ business relationship manager, Stuart Plant adds: “We’re delighted to be working with Paul and Martin on the revamp at the Middle Bell. Paul, Martin and their team, including Paul’s son Adam as the General Manager, have some great plans to deliver a fantastic customer experience and I hope they go from strength to strength.”