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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
National
Jake Brigstock

Inside Arnold pub that's reopened after £20,000 makeover with new drinks, fireplace and colour scheme

Punters at a popular pub in Arnold are back at their favourite favourite drinking spot after a month-long refurbishment project was completed.

The Organ Grinder on Front Street reopened to customers on Thursday (February 10).

Blue Monkey Brewery runs The Organ Grinder pubs and it closed on January 10 so work could take place to 'cosy it up'.

Included in the work, which has cost more than £20,000, is a new fireplace, colour scheme, wallpaper and Guinness available on tap.

Work continued until a matter of minutes before it reopened at 11am.

A fireplace has been installed, the first one at the premises for more than 30 years (Nottingham Post/ Marie Wilson)

Ian Wesley, commercial director for Blue Monkey Brewery, said: "Furniture was delivered at 10am ahead of the reopening at 11am, there was a little bit of fretting going on but it's all come together nicely.

"We had everything set at 10.40am, and then had to hoover up, so we were cutting it fine but we did it.

"The whole team has done well during those five weeks we were closed, and hats off to everyone that we've had in working on it, they've really pulled it off for us."

The length of the bar has also been shortened and the top of the bar has been dropped.

There was a water leak under the floor, and more than two tonnes of oak has been removed to make way for a new floor.

The fireplace is the first one inside that venue for more than 30 years.

Ian said: "I think we've done as much as we possible can do to make it cosier, and the proof will be in the pudding when we see how it's doing week on week.

"Everyone so far has said they like it and are happy for us to be open again, but that time has given us the time to do it properly.

"I'm happy with it, and I think the area has been lacking that fresh, clean pub."

The new colour scheme inside will be rolled out across all Organ Grinders (Nottingham Post/ Marie Wilson)

The refurbishment has gone down well with the pub's manager.

Hayley Marsden said: "I love it, that's it, I love it; it's more cosy, it's more inviting, and hopefully we get more people back in now.

"I love the lights on the ceiling, the tree branches, and the fire of course too.

"It was touch and go this morning and I'm shattered, but I'm glad that it's all done and we've reopened and I'm looking forward to seeing the regulars too.

"Everyone has been positive so far, the fire has been a big hit."

The new wallpaper (Nottingham Post/ Marie Wilson)

And on opening day, the refurbishment went down well with locals.

Darren Velinsky was among the first to enjoy a pint since it reopened (Nottingham Post/ Marie Wilson)

Darren Velinsky, 56, from Calverton, went in to enjoy a pint on his day off.

He said: "It was starting to look a little dated, and now it's nice to have more space, and the reason why I love it is that it's so inviting, it's a proper pub.

"When you work all week, it's nice to come in and the beer here is exceptional."

Sally Rowley and her mum Chris Wilcock popped in for a coffee (Nottingham Post/ Marie Wilson)

Sally Rowley, 48, who lives in Gedling, had come for a coffee with her mother Chris Wilcock, 74, who lives in Mapperley.

Sally said: "I love it, we've only come in for coffee and we probably wouldn't have come in if it's something they didn't offer.

"You can sit here and relax, it's very nice.

"Me and my husband go for coffees and read newspapers in pubs, as well as enjoying them in the evenings, and it's nice to be out again.

"My husband loves the brewery."

Chris said: "It's very nice, during Covid we would still come and sit in the garden.

"There's a nice ambience to it now, especially with the lovely log fire.

"It's lovely, it needed a freshen up."

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