An historic 17th century pub in Temple Cloud, Bristol, has been refurbished by Red Oak Taverns as part of a £800,000 investment. Temple Inn has been closed for a number of years, but now provides a community-orientated venue, as well as ten new en-suite rooms to let.
Red Oak Taverns has established a track record for breathing life back into pubs that have been run-down or fallen into disrepair.
The project was funded by a nine-house development on brownfield land alongside the Temple Inn, known as Temple Gardens, which has delivered much-needed housing to the area, as well as providing additional custom to help sustain the long-term future of the pub.
Mayor of the West of England Combined Authority, Tim Bowles said: “This is a good example of sensible planning and forward thinking, making the best use of brownfield land to revitalise the village and boost the local economy.
“This new housing will help to fill a shortfall in the area, regenerating brownfield land and ensuring green fields are protected.”
Community pub
Mark Grunnell, director and co-founder of Red Oak Taverns, said: “It’s great to be able to breathe life back into a fantastic historic community pub. The substantial funding required to provide a long-term sustainable future for this important local asset has only been possible through the sympathetic, and subsequent RIBA award-nominated, housing scheme.
“Re-opening of the Temple Inn is a perfect example of the success that Red Oak Taverns can achieve by working collaboratively with local authorities and local communities.
“Over the past six years, we have built our portfolio from 32 to 163 outlets, transforming many unloved pubs back into thriving concerns. The Temple Inn is one of the original 32 pubs we purchased back in 2011. We’ve achieved this through investment and working together in partnership with our licensees.”
New managers, Andrew and Gail Morris, have 35 years’ experience in the industry. Andrew said: “We have been welcomed by the local community. Although we have only recently re-opened, we already have bookings for our letting rooms and the pub has been busy too.
“Situated just a short drive from both Bristol and Bath, we provide a great option for visitors who want a comfortable base for sightseeing or festivals. Customers have the opportunity to sample locally-sourced West Country food and ales in a historic community pub setting, all at a competitive price.”
