Three pubs in Barrow-in-Furness have received close to £1million in investment from owner Punch Taverns as part of its ongoing quality improvement drive.

The Island Tavern, Barrow Arms and Friars have all been transformed and reopened with new licensees and improved offerings for their customers.

Mark Chapman, regional operations director at Punch, said: “We want to ensure our local pubs contribute to the development of the region and the three outlets chosen for investment are key to our growth in the area.

“The plans have generated approximately 30 new jobs and form part of a nationwide drive to improve pub standards which has seen Punch Taverns invest £60 million in refurbishment projects during the last financial year.”

The Island Tavern (formerly the Periscope), a popular local on Walney Island, has received the lion’s share of the investment fund. 

More than £500,000 has been spent refurbishing both the interior and exterior of the pub and adding a new patio area in the garden.  The Island Tavern has now reopened and is offering an extended food menu.

The Barrow Arms in Cavendish Street is a busy town centre pub that appeals to a wide range of customers and has benefited from a major transformation costing £150,000. 

Plans included a refurbishment creating new disabled facilities and expanding the food menu during the day to appeal to local shoppers.

The remaining £250,000 was spent at the Friars on Friars Lane and focused on refurbishing the interior and exterior of the pub along with major improvements to the kitchen and function room.

Mark said: “Taking on a pub lease is an attractive proposition because the initial investment is considerably lower than buying a freehold and Punch retailers are supported with award winning training plus business and marketing expertise.

“When an investment is approved, retailers are guided through the process by their business relationship manager and we have trusted suppliers to provide architectural, construction, technical and marketing support.”

Punch Taverns is one of the UK’s largest operators of leased, tenanted and managed pubs with 9,600 outlets nationwide. 

ENDS

For further information please contact Peter Medlicott or Nick Trueman at Seal Communications on 0121 200 0780