Richmond Arms to re-open in late summer
This is adapted from a report of a public meeting held at St Stephen’s church on Wednesday 22 May…
It was fantastic to have such a supportive and positive reception. For those who were unable to attend, this email contains a brief summary of the information we shared.
Firstly, we aim to open at the end of August, once renovation works are completed. Catherine will be running the pub full time and our family will move into the accommodation above the pub. Opening times will be Thursday and Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday daytime. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Precise times will be confirmed later, and will be expanded once good trade has been established.
The renovation works
We have completed the renovation of the the first and second floors and are now working on the ground floor. Works have been sympathetic to the Grade II Georgian building. We want to offer a charming and cosy space. A wood burner has been installed in the bar and the garden will be restored this summer. A request has gone out to members of the community who are green-fingered and would like to help with the garden restoration. Would you be able to donate some of your time or a plant or two? Catherine will be arranging some dates in August for a community planting session.
The business model
The beauty of being independent is we have total freedom to stock the best wines and beers from near and far. We want to offer excellent quality wines, not just a generic wine list you would see in any pub but something thoughtful and special. We will offer lots of wines by the glass.
We are thinking of having approximately two beers on tap and these will be rotated frequently. Thanks to new technology we can use slimline equipment that will fit behind the bar. We will offer a great selection of bottled beers. Bath and Bristol are seeing a flourishing of craft beer brewing and so we really want to represent local talent. There will be a range of quality soft drinks and children will be well catered for.
Our focus will be drinks when we first open, building up to food. We will offer quality bar snacks and small plates to accompany your drink. For example olives, breads, cheeses, cured meats. We aim to source local produce. There will be food and wine/beer pairings.
We are really interested in running supper clubs, with a guest chef on rotation offering different themes. This suggestion was positively received at the meeting. The new kitchen at the back of the pub will be an extra space for dining. It will have a open plan design and will be available for bookings for private bookings.
Morning trade
We would like to tap into morning trade (Wednesday to Friday). Quality coffee and pastries will be on sale. We hope to attract parents dropping off children at the local schools and any other local residents who would like a place to meet friends or use the wifi.
Letting rooms
We aim to offer two letting rooms on a B&B basis. The rooms have been beautifully renovated, each with a well appointed bathroom. We reassured the community there will be no airbnb parties!
Community
Lastly, but certainly not least, the Richmond Arms aims to be at the heart of the community. It will be a venue for community events, such as Easter egg hunts, Halloween parties, plant sales, and a meeting place for local groups. Please come and speak to Catherine about your ideas for events and how the venue can serve your needs. Thank you to those who have already volunteered their time and expertise. Perhaps you have a passion for wine and want to work on the bar occasionally? Do you have a regular book club group you would like us to host? Could you donate some old garden furniture that could be used? Are you an artist that would like to display your work? Do you have some toys or board games you could donate for the kids’ corner? Everybody is welcome.
Kind regards,
Catherine, Rupert and Jamie