News

Stoke-on-Trent pub reopens after £130,000 investment

The Old Sal, Stoke-on-Trent, has reopened following a £130,000 investment from Hawthorn, The Community Pub Company.

 
The pub has been completely transformed with modern new furniture and carpets, and the bar area has been refurbished to make way for a spacious new back bar fitting which showcases The Old Sal’s great offers. The pub’s interior has also seen the addition of a new music system and TV screen, whilst new benches and fencing have been added outdoors to enhance the experience for those dining and drinking outside.
 
In order to accommodate The Old Sal darts team, the pub’s lounge area in the function room has also been refurbished to include a designated darts area, whilst the whole room has also been recarpeted and a dance floor has been added in.
 
The pub is owned by Proper Pubs, the Operator Managed platform of Hawthorn, the Community Pub Company, which owns more than 130 local, community pubs across Scotland, England and Wales.
 
Pub Operator Joanne Baker, who has been running The Old Sal for five years, said: “We’re really pleased with the refurbishments. The pub has been so busy and lively ever since the reopening. We had a VIP night to celebrate the reopening and invited regulars, friends and family, and we were also supported by some of the other Proper Pubs in the area, so it was very special.
 
“Our function room is one of our most popular offerings so we’re really pleased this has been given an upgrade. Unlike many local businesses, our function room is free to hire for all notable causes in the community including christenings and wakes. The Old Sal is a family run pub and we welcome children here too – we’re at the centre of the community and like to do all we can to support our locals. We’ve got new cocktails on offer, and we’re also going to be putting in a pizza oven which we’re excited about, and we’re sure our locals will love it. There’s something for everyone here, from 2 year olds to 90 year olds!”
 
The Old Sal is also a keen supporter of community causes, and has recently been raising money for a local in desperate need of adaptations to her house to allow her family to care for her effectively.
 
Matthew Gurney, Operations Director of Proper Pubs , said: “Joanne and the team do a fantastic job in running The Old Sal and we’re thrilled with the results of the refurbishments at the pub. At Proper Pubs, we always encourage our Operators to be community heroes, and it’s clear The Old Sal are dedicated to supporting their locals, whether that’s through charity work or their darts team. We wish Joanne and the team all the best for their continued success.”