Canal-side pub to be ‘transformed’ as national chain makes ‘significant investment’

A PUB will be ‘transformed’ when a major refurbishment takes place.

The Broken Cross in Rudheath is to receive a ‘significant investment’ this year as it becomes part of the Greene King chain of pubs.

Work will take place both inside and outside at the canal-side pub, with plans for new lighting, decorations and a 'sports zone' complete with pool and darts.

A spokesperson for the pub said: “The Broken Cross will be undergoing significant investment later this autumn and we are also recruiting for a new franchisee to manage the pub, following the refurbishment.

“We are still in the early stages of planning, however, we can confirm that the pub will transformed both internally and externally and will remain the heart of the local community with a focus on live sport, entertainment and great food.

“We look forward to sharing further details closer to the time.”

Renovations will take place in the autumn (Image: Greene King)

The Broken Cross is currently listed as to let on the Greene King website as part of the Hive Pubs franchise agreement.

These agreements are for people with management experience looking to run their own businesses without a huge entry cost.

In this case, the franchisee would pay a £8,000 entry free and could expect to make around £40,000 a year.

Greene King take care of property costs, energy bills and stock and also supply marketing, training and ongoing support.

“This pub has traded well historically and we are now planning a full refurbishment both inside and outside to take the site to the next level,” reads the listing.

“The opportunity here is to capitalise upon the strong food trade and to also attract more local drinkers.”

The listing states that the refurbishment will see pergolas and festoon lighting installed outside.

Inside, a sports zone will be created with pool tables and darts as well as ‘strategically placed’ TV screens throughout the pub showing live sport.

It will also be redecorated with new bric-a-brac while a current storage area will be converted to become a trade space.