A popular pub in the thriving area of Hockley, Nottingham, has been transformed thanks to an investment by independent pub company Punch Pubs & Co.
The Lord Roberts, on Broad Street, reopened pre-Christmas after a small closure to make way for a huge renovation, ensuring both indoor and outdoor areas have been enhanced to provide a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Publican, Craig Pennington is delighted with the outcome. He said: “The pub has never looked so good, and I couldn’t be prouder. This has been my home now for five years and I’m excited to continue on my journey here.
“When I first took the helm of The Lord Roberts, I made my own changes specifically to the outdoor area, but it needed a little more TLC, and our guests deserved to have a more comfortable, relaxed space to enjoy and our latest investment with Punch has done just that!”
Whilst guests will notice visible changes to the pub’s interior, a substantial portion of the investment has been dedicated to its beer garden, making it a standout feature of the pub.
Back in 2019, when Craig took over The Lord Roberts, he took it upon himself to transform the outdoor space which had been abandoned by its previous owners and used as a temporary car park. He created an outdoor space for guests, but as the popularity of the pub grew, the area became unfit for purpose.
Thanks to the investment, it now boasts an extended canopy, new seating and lighting. The addition of a pergola and fixed seating ensures that the garden can now comfortably accommodate 50 to 60 covers, providing a sheltered and cosy space for guests to enjoy all year round.
“I’m inspired by the cool outdoor spaces that are driving investment locally, and Hockley is the place to be at the moment in Nottingham, offering a vibrant and trendy environment,” said Craig. “We’ve focussed on creating a unique and inviting outdoor area which has transformed our pub into the perfect destination for guests who are seeking a fresh and exciting atmosphere.”
Moving inside, The Lord Roberts has had a complete makeover. Those who are familiar with the pub’s downstairs area, The Prohibition – where live music, cabaret and the pub’s renowned drag shows take place – will notice it has had a complete repaint, fitted with new flooring, and neon lighting, offering a vibrant nighttime scene in contrast to the more traditional pub aesthetic up above.
Upstairs, the pub’s toilets and floors have been replaced, the pub has been repainted and furnishings reupholstered, and the improvements in seating, lighting, and overall ambience ensure that every guest has a pleasant experience, whether they are there for a quiet drink or a lively event.
The Lord Roberts is a beloved pub famous for its strong connections to Nottingham’s Pride Community. However, Craig doesn’t want his beloved pub to be put into a box. He is keen to ensure that the pub remains an inclusive space where anyone is welcome.
He said: “Pride is a huge part of our pub and this area of Nottingham, but it’s not just what the Lord Roberts is about. We’re much more than that. I’m proud to show off an even better pub, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds.”
Craig’s dedication to maintaining a clean, well-lit, and cosy environment has made the pub a treasured spot in the community. The £115,000 investment has not only enhanced the physical aspects of the pub but also reinforced its identity, and Craig and the team have loved welcoming guests, new and old, in to see what they’ve done with the place.
Photographs courtesy of Stewart at Caters Photographic