It's the moment fans of Nottingham's historic Peacock pub have been waiting for - a glimpse of the new look after a £247,000 makeover. The good news is the layout of the pub dating back to 1850 has stayed the same - a main bar and a lounge, and many of the original features such as the peacock motif etched windows, wooden flooring and patterned tiles around the bar are still there.
Famed for its push bells, they have been restored during the renovations. Located on the back of the lounge seats, a customer can press the bell which rings behind the bar to call bar staff for service. The Peacock is the last pub in Nottingham to have the historic feature.
The revamp by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars follows a closure of more than two years of the Victorian pub, in Mansfield Road, which was once the haunt of the DH Lawrence, the author of acclaimed novels Lady Chatterley's Lover and Sons and Lovers.
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Last year both the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and Nottingham Civic Society expressed concern that the empty Grade II-listed pub was becoming more and more dilapidated as the search for a new landlord dragged on. However, the refurbishment has brought it back to its former glory.
The decor has been given a more stylish sumptuous look and feel, whilst staying true to its Victorian roots. Seating has been reupholstered in brown and deep red faux leather and new high tables and stools have been added in the bar.
The original fireplace that was blocked off previously remains the same. All the wood panelling, ceiling roses and a stained glass window have been retained. One new feature though is a tiled wall, informing anyone who doesn't know that already that The Peacock dates back to 1850.
The lounge also has an original fireplace but once certification comes through from the fire authority this one will be have a crackling log fire to keep customers cosy. The original pew is still there with all the nicks in the wood.
New light fittings and TVs have been installed and the toilets have been refurbished too. Outside, meanwhile, has been given a smarter looks with a panel highlighting the pub’s historic connection with DH Lawrence, new lighting and burgundy and gold signage.
The Peacock will only be serving drinks. Three real ales, two draught lagers, ciders, craft ale, wine, spirits and cocktails will be served on the boozy side.
Pints of Marston's 61 Deep pale ale, Wainwright Gold and Theakson's best bitter will be poured, along with Amstel, Heineken, Guinness extra cold and Birra Moretti. Inch's cider and Old Mout's berries and cherries are also on draught. Soft drinks and coffee are on offer too.
New licensee, Ben Bronson, has moved from Blackpool to take on The Peacock, with help from his partner Phil Gornall. He had previously opened a big entertainment pub in the town and has spent many years working in the food and drink industry.
He said: "I only visited Nottingham for the first-time last year. I fell in love with it immediately so when I heard about the fantastic refurbishment plans for The Peacock I leapt at the opportunity to take it on. It’s a gorgeous characterful pub in a great location in the city centre and near Nottingham Trent University.
"People say what's your demographic? Everybody - because there is something in here that everyone will like. It's just a case of them coming in and finding which bits they do like but there's an area in here where you'll have students, shoppers and the older generation. I think the building lends itself to that. It's quirky."
Ben, who is looking forward to meeting his new neighbours and hopes to add to a Mansfield Road drinking circuit, added that he plans to host quizzes and have live music.
Mike Smith, investment manager at Star Pubs & Bars said: “The refurbishment is stunning. It has more than exceeded expectations. We have worked hard to ensure we respect the buildings listed status and the character so that when you walk through the door you get a real sense of drinking in a classic Victorian city centre pub.
"The bar has been retained - it's a beautiful old Victorian feature - and the floors tiles, wooden floor and back bar, all the existing key bits as you walk in here. The lounge is by far my favourite part of the pub, it feels like a really old traditional Victorian pub. We've gone dark on the colours to represent that period.
"If we were still in those days you can imagine it being a cigar-filled old Victorian lounge. The bar side feels much lighter, with more of a gin bar kind of feel to it. I know there's a lot of history to the pub and you can do too much to places like this but we've tried to keep it really traditional."
The pub reopens at noon on February 2. It will be open Monday to Thursday to 11pm, Friday and Saturday until midnight, and Sunday 10pm.
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