Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, visited the Hinksford Arms to celebrate the Swindon pub getting back to business after a transformational refurbishment.
Gavin visited the Hinksford Arms to celebrate its re-opening following a major investment costing £325,000 by the new leaseholder Brett Holden and owners Punch Taverns.
The refurbishment took place over seven weeks and re-opened on 24th April.
Mr. Holden took Gavin on a tour of the premises and then invited him behind the bar to pull a pint.
Gavin said: “Pubs such as the Hinksford Arms are an important part of our local community. It’s great to see this investment which is a boost for the town and the local economy, especially with the creation of 10 local jobs and Brett’s use of local butchers and brewers.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to such a well-run community pub, it’s warm and welcoming and a pub Swindon can be proud of. I wish Brett and the team every success.”
Licensee Brett was delighted with the pub’s positive start: “The launch was really successful, we had received fantastic support from Punch Taverns in re-launching the pub and we have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from customers,” he said.
“The local residents love everything about the new look and feel, with many commenting that they have wanted a place like this for a long time.
“The food has taken off, with lots of compliments to the chef. Customers like the fact that the food is fresh and we are using local suppliers, like butcher Rob Nebnewey. Our ales are flying, especially as we are using some local brewers like Holders and Anvil.
“We’ve got some great plans for the pub. I am looking to develop a local convenience store and we want to make the most of our fantastic garden in summer with BBQS, free bouncy castle rides for kids. We are currently organising a fun day for the August Bank Holiday weekend.
“It’s great to see a local MP supporting the pub industry. I want to thank the community for their support and I’m enjoying welcoming them back as well as some new faces – which is great!”
Mark Henderson, Punch Taverns’ Partnership Development Manager for the Hinksford Arms, added: “I want to thank Gavin Williamson MP for visiting the Hinksford Arms. The Hinksford Arms is a great example of a pub at the heart of the community.
“The pub sets high standards in all areas of the business and the pub is performing well, with lots of family events planned over the coming months and plans to develop the business with a local convenience store. I expect this to continue and I look forward to working with Brett and the team going forward.”