Leicestershire’s highest pub is to be given a new lease of life thanks to a £385,000 investment by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and new licensees Graham and Lindsay Croft.
The cash will help rejuvenate The Bulls Head in Warren Hills Road, Whitwick, and turn it from what the pub company calls a “struggling local” into a “great quality, family-friendly pub”.
It is part of £50 million investment programme by the Star Pubs & Bars across its national estate this year.
The Bulls Head sits at around 787 ft above sea level, in the National Forest in North West Leicestershire.
Work is set to get underway next week and take nine weeks, with the pub scheduled to reopen in late August creating 15 jobs.
Graham and Lindsay were born and raised in the Coalville area and The Bulls Head was their local.
The couple said they were sad to see it go down hill and when it became available – with a refurbishment attached – decided to take it over.
They already run The Manor at Toton on the outskirts of Nottingham.
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Graham said: “A number of local pubs have closed over the years, and we’ve always been very fond of The Bulls Head and didn’t want to see it go.
“It’s a lovely old pub but needs a new direction and investment.
“The plans are spectacular and will bring something different to the area.”
He said taking over The Bulls Head had special significance, because his great aunt Doll and great uncle Arthur had run it from 1932-1938.
Graham said: “Our son James will be helping to manage The Bulls Head so it’s proving to be a real family affair.”
The outside will be completely renovated, and a new entrance will be installed to make it wheelchair friendly.
The big garden will get a makeover with seating for 90 people and a children’s play area as well as a patio, planting and new lighting.
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Inside the pub will be made more comfortable and welcoming, while retaining its character and original features such as beams and open fires.
A new extension will increase the building’s size by more than 50 per cent and house a kitchen and dining area to enable the Crofts to introduce food.
They plan to serve freshly prepared pub food as well as specials and want to build a reputation for Sunday lunches, using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.
Graham said: “We know a lot of the producers in the region and want to support them.”
They also want to improve the quality of drinks sold, overhauling the cellar and installing new dispensing equipment.
Eventually they hope to gain Cask Marque accreditation and stock ales from nearby breweries.
Graham said: “We’ve had many happy times at The Bulls Head as customers and hope to have many more on the other side of the bar. It’s been part of Leicestershire life for more than 150 years.
“We want to develop a wonderful community spirit and keep it thriving so it’s here for future generations to enjoy.”
Star Pubs & Bars operations director for the Midlands Alun Johnson: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with Graham and Lindsay to revive The Bulls Head.
“They’ve got an excellent reputation as licensees and a great knowledge of the region.
“Their vision for the pub should make it a destination in its own right and attract local residents as well as people from further afield.
“Star Pubs & Bars are passionate supporters of the Great British pub and we’re investing in locals like The Bulls Head across the Midlands as part of a £50 million investment programme this year.”