An historic pub, which has been closed for around three years, is set to reopen shortly. Work has been taking place at the Peacock in Nottingham, both inside and out, ready for a planned relaunch in February.
New red and gold signage has gone up outside, while the old-fashioned interior has been undergoing a "major" revamp. Owner Star Pubs & Bars said refurbishment was on the cards in October 2021 once a new operator was secured. However, as time progressed the building's exterior became more and more dilapidated, raising concern amongst CAMRA members and Nottingham Civic Society.
The Victorian pub's new look will be "stylish, trendy and sumptuous", while bringing back some of its original features, according to Star. The last pub in Nottingham to have a push bell for customers to order drinks behind the bar, it will be restored for customers to use once again as part of the upgrade. Fireplaces will also be renovated and reinstated.
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The pub, in Mansfield Road, closed in August 2020 due to the pandemic. The owners hope the investment will attract a mix of drinkers.
The offer will include barista-style coffee as well as a range of cask ales, craft beers, and an extensive gin and cocktail menu. The eclectic finishes will include a botanical carpet, a mix of deep buttoned velvet-covered fixed seating and free-standing wooden tables and chairs, a stripped timber bar and dark panelled walls with framed artwork.
A spokesperson for Star Pubs & Bars said: "We are just completing a major revamp that has completely refurbished the Peacock Hotel in the style of a traditional city centre pub and added quirky stylish finishes and features which are part of the previously advertised designs. Given its close proximity to Nottingham Trent University, the Peacock Hotel will cater for students as well as shoppers, office workers and other city residents. We look forward to opening the doors and welcoming people back in early February."
The pub, which dates back to 1850, is a Grade II-listed building located in a prime position within the city council's Arboretum Conservation Area, and has a heritage interior rated by CAMRA as being of regional importance. It is believed to have been a regular watering hole of D.H. Lawrence, the author of the infamous Lady Chatterley's Lover, in the early 1900s. Another claim to fame was that it was home to the Sausage Society on Wednesday evenings.
Until this revamp, the pub lounge hadn't altered since the 1930s, with carved bench seating, wainscoting panelling on the walls and windows etched with a peacock motif. More recently, the Peacock became the city's first pub to have an all-vegan menu in 2016 when landlord Michael Scholes decided to ditch meat, fish and dairy.
The pub closed for a spell in 2019 when he retired after 19 years behind the bar - and although it reopened, it was short-term.
Steve Westby, the chairman of Nottingham CAMRA, said: "It's great news to hear that this popular pub is to reopen, it has long been a city landmark. We do hope that the distinctive peacock sign above the pub name is retained as it was a unique feature of this historic Grade ll listed building DH Lawrence is rumoured to have used the former upstairs hotel as a refuge when writing."
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