The Rutland Arms in Bottesford has been given a new lease of life following a £130k investment with leading pub company Punch Pubs & Co.
Having reopened at the end of June, the community of Bottesford have rejoiced at the Rutland Arms’ transformation which has taken it from a pub with a curry-house, to a family-friendly village pub and restaurant.
Publican Russell Wheatcroft, who before now had never ran a pub business of his own, is delighted with the changes. He said: “The Rutland Arms has been a prominent pub not just in Bottesford but also in the Vale of Belvoir for many years and is a central meeting point for so many.
“The investment is so important to allow us to maintain this position and to be able to offer a wide selection of food and drinks which will help keep the pub vibrant. Our surroundings now reflect our current and future audience and have cemented our future serving the public!”
As part of the investment, the Rutland Arms has undergone a full internal transformation and works have been completed on every room. From the bar area and lounge, to bathrooms, outdoor and restaurant, the community pub is almost unrecognisable.
Inside, the changes include a full bar refurb matching the pub’s cosy and traditional aesthetic, an improved sports bar area complete with pool table and football paraphernalia, as well as an inviting bar lounge for guests to sit-back and enjoy a casual drink and great food.
The most noticeable change is the pub’s new restaurant and dining experience, worlds apart from the former curry-house that once coincided alongside the pub. Converted into a spacious area, the Rutland Arms’ new restaurant has already been a hit with the local community, with the pub renowned for its indulgent Sunday lunches and smashed ‘Rutland’ burger, as well as other hearty dishes such as pasta alfredo, ribeye steak and battered haddock.
Speaking on behalf of the pub’s new restaurant, Russell added: “Like many industries, pubs have to find a way to be inviting places delivering what the consumer demands! Bottesford is well served with fine eating restaurants but has missed good quality pub food at affordable prices and now we are the only venue that does this. The ability to now provide a wide ranged menu alongside theme nights and other foodie events is a great addition to our offering.”
If guests aren’t dining in, they’re promised to be spoilt by the refurbished bar’s extensive drinks selection including cask ales and worldwide draught beers, ciders, spirits, and no and low alternatives.
Working alongside Operations Manager Harry Bourne on the investment, their combined aim was to ensure the pub’s new transformation offered something for the whole community.
As part of their plans, they chose to improve the pubs’ sports area by giving it a major glow-up with pool table, darts boards and tv screens offering guests front row tickets to the latest sporting action. The entertainment doesn’t stop there, Russell and the team also host regular live entertainment, quizzes, open mic nights and bingo which are proving to be incredibly popular with the locals and helping to put the Rutland Arms back at the heart of the community.
Elsewhere, the pub’s outdoor area has undergone a revamp offering a scenic spot for guests to dine alfresco or simply enjoy the warmer months outside in the sunshine, with friends, fellow guests and four-legged friends welcome too.
Speaking of the investment Harry said: “It has been great to watch Russell grow in this industry and bring a new lease of life to the Rutland Arms. Russell’s impeccable standards, attention to detail and affability are the reasons he is a 5-star Publican.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him on this transformational investment to bring the Rutland Arms back to the heart of the community. It’s great to have been able to create an additional restaurant space but keep the feel of a fantastic community pub. I’m looking forward to working with Russell and continuing to drive this pub forwards.”
Updates on upcoming events at the Rutland Arms can be found on its social media and website.
