The drinking spot near East Midlands Airport is a real family affair
Andy and Julie Richardson, licensees at the Cap & Stocking in Kegworth (Image: Richard Richards Photography )
A pub that’s a real family affair is to have a £123,000 makeover both inside and out, creating the “best beer garden in the village”.
Licensees Julie and Andy Richardson will be taking on the lease at the popular Cap & Stocking next week after running it under a temporary agreement with their daughters Sarah and Leighann for the last 14 months.
During this time, they have breathed new life into the pub in Borough Street, Kegworth, trebling trade. The pub, just over the border in Leicestershire, will be open over Easter and will continue trading when work starts on the garden.
Heineken-owned Star Pubs said the sympathetic revamp will take the pub to the next level and create the best beer garden in the village.
Work on the garden will take three weeks. The Cap & Stocking will close for a week starting on April 20 for the interior improvements, reopening on April 28 in time for the first May bank holiday.
The beer garden is going to be completely transformed to create a stunning all-year-round outdoor space with seating for 160 for alfresco eating and drinking.
The garden will be on a number of different levels and composed of the pub’s pétanque court, Indian flagstone terracing and grass, and a mix of timber bench-style seating, barrel tables and chairs and A-frame tables and benches, with new planters and festoon lighting adding to the atmosphere.
The outdoor covered area will become an outdoor room with new timber posts and roof, a new outdoor darts board, wood cladding on the wall with a TV for major sports events, exposed brick wall and bistro-style furniture.
Funds are also being spent inside, giving the interior a fresher, brighter appearance while retaining the pub’s character and traditional look and feel. There will be wood panelling on the walls but the photos of the pub and local area will remain.
The furniture will include a traditional leather-covered settee and reupholstered leather-covered stools. The lounge will be spruced up with a new floral carpet and curtains, William Morris-style wallpaper, deep-buttoned red leather fixed seating, and traditional pendant-style lighting.
The toilets are also being revamped as part of the investment.
The drinks offer will stay as before, with a wide range of lagers and premium beers like Cruz Campo and Birra Moretti, and ciders, wines, spirits, and soft drinks, as well as a selection of cask ale, including Bass and Timothy Taylor Landlords.
The food will include popular pub fare such as ploughman’s, chicken nuggets and chips, and roast tattas and meat in a cob. The pub will also continue to host regular themed hot food nights by outside caterers such as fish and chips, pizzas and Persian food.
After reinstating the pétanque court, regular matches are now played. The couple have also introduced two darts teams, weekly beer draws, Sticky 13s and bingo on alternating Thursdays, and a football card to raise money for village causes such as the infant school, church and bowls ground.
They also host regular quizzes, live music and local entertainment, which will all continue once the pub reopens.
Andy said: “The Cap & Stocking is a real family affair, with the four of us working behind the bar. We’re looking forward to showing off the pub once it’s been revamped. It will have the same feel, just better.
“We want to thank all our regulars and the villagers who have made us feel so welcome and supported us over the last year, and thank you to Ruby, a valued member of staff who has been with us from the start.
“We love the Cap & Stocking and the atmosphere pub goers create. We also love living in Kegworth and becoming a focal part of the community.
“The day we first opened the doors, we couldn’t move – it was so busy. So, goodness knows what it will be like when we open the doors once the refurbishment is finished. Happy days ahead!”
Craig Foweather, Star Pubs investment manager, said: “We’re delighted to be investing with Andy and Julie in improving the decor and comfort for customers and broadening the Cap & Stocking’s appeal.
“The garden will have a real wow factor and as it is enclosed will offer a safe space for families to socialise in.
“Andy and Julie have done a fantastic job breathing new life into the Cap & Stocking and encouraging villagers to use it again. They are very family and community-focused, and it shows.”
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