05-05-2025
Sandiacre pub closes for £317k revamp in Heineken multimillion pound investment
Sandiacre pub The Bridge Inn has closed for a £317,000 upgrade - reopening in time for its 90th anniversary celebrations in June. The investment by Heineken-owned Star Pubs aims to create a quality family and dog-friendly local with the largest beer garden in the area.
Work will get underway on May 6 at the pub just over the Derbyshire border in Longmoor Lane. The interior will be redecorated from top-to-toe with new furniture, soft furnishings, feature wallpaper, carpets and lighting to make it brighter, welcoming and more comfortable.
Seating is being increased to 106, with customers able to choose to sit at high tables and chairs or at lower booth-style seating. The games area will have a new pool table, halo darts board, Heineken neon signage, and two HDTVs showing live Sky and TNT sports, while a further two TVs will be located in the bar.
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Outside will also be getting a makeover, repainted in heritage colours with new signage and lighting and space for 140 people. The drinks selection will have something for every time of day, from coffee and soft drinks to craft beer, cask ale and cocktail.
Publicans Leigh Brunson and Louise Mason, who have running the pub as temporary managers since December 2020, will be staying on. A landmark pub for both of them, the Bridge Inn was the family local of Sandiacre-born Leigh's family and the first pub he worked in.
Louise, who has lived in Sandiacre for the last 25 years, started work at the pub in 2016, becoming an assistant manager in 2017.
She said: "The Bridge Inn will offer the same elements as before such as pool, live sports, darts, a monthly quiz, and regular charity fundraisers, but in much nicer surroundings. There will also be an improved drinks range and a new menu.
"Leigh and I are really excited by the refurbishment as it will boost the growing popularity of this lovely community pub. The investment will create a safe, fun, and good-looking pub for all customers to enjoy.
"We can't wait to open the doors in June, welcome regulars back and new faces, and celebrate the pub's anniversary with a family fun day including gift and sweet stalls, a lucky dip and bouncy castle.'
Adella Binney, Star Pubs' business development manager added: 'We're delighted to be investing in the Bridge Inn taking it to the next level. The new look and new offer are a great way to mark the pub's 90th anniversary and will I believe broaden the pub's appeal and delight regulars, some of whom have been coming to the pub for over 40 years."
The refurbishment coincides with Heineken's announcement that it is investing £3.1m in East Midlands' pubs. Licensees are expected to invest £153,000 on top, resulting in an estimated 69 new jobs.
Of that, £467,000 is earmarked for Nottinghamshire pubs and £1.38m in Derbyshire, plus an additional £61k from licensees. Although trading conditions have been tough over recent years, Heineken UK said it has invested consistently throughout, pumping £194m into improving its pubs between 2020 and 2024. The latest investment has been hailed a "resounding vote of confidence" in the future of the sector.
Lawson Mountstevens, Star Pubs' managing director said: 'Consistent investment – rather than a stop, start approach – and a strategy of creating great locals have been key to helping our pubs weather the storms of the last few years. Even with pressures on disposable income, people in the East Midlands are still prioritising a trip to their local, valuing it as an everyday treat and as a way of connecting with their community.
"But they want to be guaranteed a quality experience: relaxing in an attractive setting is an important factor when pubgoers choose where to spend their money. Star Pubs' licensees employ some 25,000 people, support thousands of local suppliers and raise millions for charity.
"Pubs are the lifeblood of their communities and growth engines for the UK economy, however, they are being penalised by a disproportionate tax burden. We urge the Government to rectify this distortion when proposals to overhaul business rates are drawn up this year.'
