The Crown at Playhatch in all its glory

Two Brakspear pubs undergo major refit

20th January 2012, 9:03am

Two Brakspear pubs are undergoing major refurbishments at a total cost of over £500,000.

The Crown at Playhatch near Reading has closed for a complete redevelopment and will reopen in late February, while The White Hart at Nettlebed, near Henley-on-Thames, is opening seven new bedrooms. 

Both pubs are run by The Tailor Made Dining Company, owned by Ted Docherty and Dion Korving.

The Crown is being redesigned throughout. The result will be a more open, airy pub-restaurant with additional tables for diners and a resited, larger bar area. 

The Barn Room, used for wedding receptions and other functions, is being redecorated, the kitchen is being refitted and all 10 letting rooms are being completely refurbished. 

Developments at The White Hart in Nettlebed mark the second phase of this pub's transformation, following a £250,000 investment in April last year. The focus this time is on accommodation, with the addition of six new bedrooms and one new 'honeymoon suite', bringing to 19 the total number of letting rooms at the site.

Tom Davies, Brakspear chief executive, said: "These are challenging times for pubs, but we're confident that our investment in both these very successful sites will be worthwhile. Talented tenants like Ted and Dion are managing to grow trade, despite the downturn, by offering customers the 'pub essentials' of great food and drink, consistently high standards and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere."

Related Articles:

• 29 Mar 2012 - Brakspear pub group appoints new interior designer
• 26 Jan 2012 - New appointment at Brakspear pub group
• 12 Aug 2011 - Brakspear pub group posts “solid results” for 2010
• 26 Jul 2010 - Brakspear pub reopens after £500,000 makeover
• 07 Jul 2010 - Brakspear pub group's Henley Ale Trail returns
• 08 Jun 2010 - Brakspear pub group appoints new chief finance officer
• 16 Apr 2010 - Brakspear restructures Board
• 02 Feb 2010 - Brakespear pub group extends its beer list
• 26 Jan 2010 - Brakspear Pub Company launches new website
• 09 Sep 2009 - Best Brakspear pub summer gardens announced
• 26 Aug 2009 - Brakspear supports tenants with beer festival kit
• 29 Apr 2009 - Brakspear Pub Company to absorb Budget tax hike
• 09 Apr 2009 - Brakspear supports first FemAle Day

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Robert Korving

20 January 2012 at 9:48pm

Well done you guys. Will have to visit you on our next trip. Maybe the Korving's have hospitality in their genes. See us on our New Zealand site: www.countryhomestay.com. All the best with your new venture. Robert and Jill

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