Latest news with #TheRoseInn
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Historic south Essex pub to reopen after refurbishment 'later this month'
THE owners of a historic country pub say they are looking forward to welcoming back their regulars after carrying out a refurbishment of the 18th century building. Great Wakering's Rose Inn is a popular community spot for residents living in the village and is temporarily closed while the upgrades are carried out - it is set to reopen later this month. The Greene King-owned pub came under new management in December, with the ongoing refurbishment set to breath new life into the Wakering Road hotspot. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. 'We understand that The Rose Inn is an important part of the community and we are doing some works to make the most of this popular pub," said a spokesperson for the Rose Inn. "We look forward to welcoming regulars back and seeing new customers in to enjoy the new-look Rose Inn later this month.' The pub, which occupies a large site overlooking Great Wakering's rural landscape, first received a license to sell alcohol in 1799 and has been a central feature of the village's community ever since. Passion - Sophie Saunders took over the Rose Inn last December (Image: Sophie Saunders)While owned by national brewery firm, Greene King, the Rose Inn was taken over by Sophie Saunders and her husband Mark in December 2024. At the time, Sophie said she was hoping to make the most of the pub's "cosy English country" atmosphere and capitalise on the area's community spirit. The determined hospitality veteran has been working in the industry since the age of 15, with her role at the Rose Inn being her first as general manager. Community - Residents love the Rose Inn (Image: Google Maps) Jo McPherson is the chairman of Rochford Council and a regular at the Rose Inn. "I was only in there last weekend for a family dinner and will often pop in with friends and family for food, drinks or after a bike ride," she said. Adding: "I'm looking forward to it reopening" While specific details on the refurbishment are light, it's unlikely that the building itself will undergo any significant changes. The pub is beloved for its period charm, which includes exposed wooden beams and low ceilings alongside a popular outside area.
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Beloved 300-year-old pub taken over by pro footballer suddenly SHUTS as owners admit ‘our industry is dying'
PUNTERS are fuming after a beloved 300-year old pub taken over by a pro-footballer was suddenly shut down. The owners of the Golden Lion, in Magor, South Wales, announced the devastating closure and said "our industry is dying". 1 The sad revelation was made on the boozer's Facebook page before they shuttered it on March 12. In their statement, they said: "The pub industry is dying in its current form, and we fear pubs will see more and more closures unless something drastically is changed." The owners promised to keep all their current bookings. If this isn't possible they will provide a refund or transfer to their other venue, The Rose Inn. They also reassured the public: "All staff and suppliers will be settled in full, and we are looking to relocate staff to other venues." One local said: "Spent many happy years in this pub with Russell." Another added: "This is so sad, l hope someone can open it again soon." "The brewery put the prices up, rent up, national wage going up, national insurance going up, they can't make it pay," added a third. It marks the second pub closure in the area, sparking fear from residents they will no longer have a local watering hole. One wrote: "Such a shame. I guess Magor cannot support two pubs." Hunt for neo-Nazis who celebrated Hitler's birthday in UK pub with swastika cake "I hope The Rose at Redwick manages to survive, they were bought as a package with the Portskewett and the Lion," agreed someone else. The Golden Lion was previously shut down in 2023 but reopened a few months later under new ownership. Iain Jackson and Darren Jones took over the pub with visions to create a steak house. Former professional footballer Mr Jones had three spells at Newport County AFC. He joined forces with Mr Jackson whilst he was general manager at the Queen's Hotel. Mr Jackson had worked successfully as a chef at the Priory Hotel, Rougemont School and Queen's Hotel, and the Custom House. The former football pro told the South Wales Argus at the time: 'We've been interested in the Golden Lion for some time and we know how loved it is as a pub in Magor and the surrounding area, and how devastated the community was when it closed. 'The history of the pub is important, but we also want to see it flourish tin the future and that is why we have decided to reopen as a steak house. 'We think there is a gap in the market, with nothing like what we are doing in the local area. In fact, you probably have to travel to Cardiff or Bristol to experience what we will be delivering at the Golden Lion. 'We think people will really like what we have planned as it will be something new and different for the area. 'We still want to be the local village pub, but with a fantastic grill to complement the bar.' This comes after a pub elsewhere closed down after 160 years as the owner said trading became "unsustainable". East London hotspot, The Gun, has closed with immediate effect, despite the old school pub being hugely popular with locals. Meanwhile, around six pubs shut their doors for good every week last year, leading to an estimated 4,500 job losses, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA). The closures come amid pressure from higher borrowing costs and high energy bills for businesses, alongside a continued squeeze on household finances as mortgage and rent costs increase. Pubs are set to come under further pressure when a raft of cost increases linked to the October Budget, such as higher National Insurance contributions (NIC), and an increase in the minimum wage, come into force in April. Employers currently pay NICs for most workers earning more than £9,100 a year. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: "The scale of these closures is completely avoidable because pubs are doing a brisk trade. "Consumer demand is there, however, profits are being wiped out with sky high bills and pubs are facing yet more rates and costs come April. "We're right behind Labour's mission to supercharge growth and can deliver this economic boost across the UK, but only if it is easier for pubs to keep their doors open. "Government must urgently bring in meaningful business rates reform and phase in new employment costs so pubs can keep boosting the economy, supporting local jobs, and remaining at the heart of communities." The latest data means that the number of pubs in England and Wales dropped from 47,613 in 2019 to 45,345 in 2024, the BBPA said. What is happening to the hospitality industry? By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Yahoo
'The Garden of England' home county near south London crowned as UK's best
One of south London's closest home counties nicknamed 'The Garden of England' has been crowned the best in the UK. Kent was named by The Telegraph as the UK's top Home County, with data compiled across 40 categories from the number of Blue Flag Beaches to its pubs and walking spots. Kent is often referred to as 'The Garden of England', with plenty of green spaces to walk as well as its many beaches, being located on the south eastern edge of England. Kent is often referred to as 'The Garden of England', with plenty of green spaces to walk. (Image: Beth Huskin) Kent was ranked as the best home county overall, as well as being the best for history and culture, and the third best for natural wonders and luxuries. With six Blue Flag Beaches stretching across the Kent Coast, along with popular attractions like Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Hever Castle, this home county has much to offer. There are six Blue Flag Beaches stretching across the Kent Coast. (Image: Tourism at Thanet District Council) Not to mention Kent is always well situated if you're looking to travel to France via ferry from Dover or Eurotunnel from Folkestone for a day trip across the English Channel. Kent was also scored high on account of being the only home county with a World Heritage site – Canterbury, where you'll find a whopping 27 historic buildings run by English Heritage. Kent was also scored high on account of being the only home county with a World Heritage site – Canterbury. (Image: Canterbury Connected) Foodies can also find plenty of places to satisfy their cravings, from oysters at Whitstable to drinking beer in Faversham, home to the original brewery of Shepherd Neame. Foodies can also find plenty of places to satisfy their cravings, from oysters at Whitstable to drinking beer in Faversham. (Image: Instagram user @emmaslittlewanderings) If you're looking for a country pub to visit on a tour of Kent, The Rose Inn in the village of Wickhambreaux came highly recommended. This quaint country pub dates back to 1300 and offers all the old charm with Kentish hops, wooden beams and an open fire during the colder months. If you're looking for a country pub to visit on a tour of Kent, The Rose Inn in the village of Wickhambreaux came highly recommended. (Image: Google) If it's food you're looking for, the best rated restaurant in the country was over in Margate, known for its popular beach, Old Town and Turner Art Gallery. Angela's, with a seasonally changing menu and vegan-friendly options, also has a highly coveted Michelin Green Star. (Image: Angela's) Here you'll find Angela's, with a seasonally changing menu and vegan-friendly options, which also has a highly coveted Michelin Green Star. The best walk in Kent was named as the Kentish North Downs, with the circular Wye Downs Walk offering views of Devil's Kneading Trough. Unsurprisingly Kent's best view was hailed as the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, famously referred to in Vera Lynn's iconic wartime song, with views of the English Channel and Dover Castle.
