Third site for Southend-on-Sea operator
Jamie Foster has taken on his second substantive lease with Star Pubs.
Southend-on-Sea based multiple operator Jamie Foster (pictured) has taken on his second substantive lease with Star Pubs.
The Railway Hotel in Southend-on-Sea has been closed for three years, but a joint £650,000 refurbishment of the site by Star Pubs and Foster is now underway, with the pub reopening at the end of September.
Foster also runs The Old Garrison in Shoeburyness and The Spread Eagle in Southend, both of which are also Star Pubs.
"Since taking on The Old Garrison two and a half years ago, trade has increased tenfold," he says. "It’s gone from an empty shell to a well-loved community pub.
"I have found recently with my two sites that trade can be amazing one moment and then drop off. My focus now is on finding the niche activities and initiatives that will help level out this see-sawing. Overall, however I remain optimistic and think you get out what you put in. While people will leave the industry, it will not fall over, it will continue. Pubs and hospitality are part of the fabric of the country."
Devil in the detail
The refurbishment of the pub is designed to enhance The Railway Hotel’s existing historic features, including its floors and long oak bar, while bringing it up to date with more contemporary elements.
Upstairs, there are two rooms, one which will have a pool table, interactive darts and a weekend bottle bar, and the other with a stage for live acts.
Further upgrades will include new toilets and a commercial kitchen to enable the pub to provide an all-day food offer.
The outside is to be totally overhauled, redecorated in black with gold signage. The courtyard garden will have two heated, covered outdoor dining pods, each seating six for year-round alfresco eating and drinking, a new mural, garden furniture and festoon lighting.
"We’re delighted to be coinvesting with Jamie to reopen The Railway Hotel," adds Matt Cornwell, Star Pubs investment manager. "It’s part of a £40m investment that Heineken UK is making this year upgrading and reopening pubs. Jamie has a proven track record of turning around underperforming pubs. Interest in the future of The Railway Hotel locally is massive. It deserves someone passionate to take it forward. Jamie loves Southend-on-Sea and The Railway Hotel and will do a fantastic job restoring it to its former glory."
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