Midlands based multiple operator, Distinctive Inns is to open a fourth ‘pub & kitchen’ site in July, its third in partnership with Star Pubs & Bars.
The latest venture will see The Dorset Arms in Compton Acres, West Bridgford, renamed The Dorset Pub & Kitchen following a £450k joint refurbishment with Star Pubs & Bars.
The site, which had previously been run as a Mediterranean restaurant, had been closed since the end of 2018. 20 new jobs are to be created when it reopens as a pub serving great value gastro-style food.
Funds are being spent reconfiguring the interior to create a larger drinking area with additional seating for 30 and two smaller dining areas and a conservatory, clearly demarking the dining and drinking areas.
The look and feel of The Dorset Pub & Kitchen will be very different to other nearby pubs with a quirky, opulent, stylish design. This will include velvet covered sofas and button back smoking chairs and armchairs in burnt orange and air force blue and high leather stools and floral fabric covered bar stools.
In addition to a new striking backbar, there will be a mix of patterned tiles and restored timber on the floor, mustard and blue coloured paint and feature botanic wallpaper on the walls and a geometric patterned ceiling. Classic timeless lighting and plants will add to the ambience.
Outside, the pub will be re-rendered in a smart mocha and grey finish with new external lighting, planting and furniture providing seating for over 50. Heated jumbrellas will be added for alfresco eating and drinking.
Food at The Dorset Pub & Kitchen will be the ‘best of British’ – gastro style great value pub classics like battered cod & hand-cut chips, pies, aged steaks and grills as well as modern a la carte dishes using seasonal, ethically sourced local ingredients, wherever possible.
The coffee will be barista style with beans supplied by Forge Roasters in Sheffield.
The bar will have an extensive range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages with three cask conditioned real ales, a variety of wines from around the world, a good choice of continental beers and craft ales on draught and by the bottle and a choice of 15 gins and freshly made cocktails.
A ‘Distinctive’ loyalty scheme will be available at The Dorset Pub & Kitchen giving cash back points on food and drink at the pub and across Distinctive Inns’ four other sites.
James Bull, Director of Distinctive Inns, said of their plans, “Our aim is to put The Dorset Pub & Kitchen back on the map not just as a great food venue, but as an exceptional ‘pub’, bringing back the local drinkers and becoming a hub for the community. It’s in a great location with lots of chimney pots and near an A road so should have good footfall for eating and drinking.
“Our last venture was The Priory in Nanpantan four years ago, which has been a runaway success. We’ve deliberately taken our time before taking on a fourth pub as we wanted to test the business model and put in place the infrastructure and management systems that we felt we needed to accelerate our growth.
“This is money and time well spent as it will allow us now to operate further afield in Leicestershire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire as well as Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Our plan is to open 10-12 sites over the next 10 years.”
Star Pubs & Bars operations director, Alun Johnson said, “We’re delighted that Distinctive Inns has taken on The Dorset Pub & Kitchen. They’ve got a strong track record of creating pubs that locals love, and people want to travel to.
'The Dorset Pub & Kitchen’s will be no different with lots of people living nearby and a distinctive look and offer, living up to the pub company’s name. Located near the A52 and with ample parking it will be the only pub open for breakfast, making it an ideal stop off whatever time of day.”
