The Bridge Inn pub is preparing to reopen its doors this month, revealing a completely fresh look and the start of an exciting new chapter.
Alongside the transformation, The Bridge Inn will welcome a new Management Partner, Kristine Taylor, an experienced local hospitality professional known for running several successful food businesses in the area. She said: “I’m delighted to take the helm at The Bridge Inn and, along with our outstanding team, deliver a very special pub back to the local community.”
Backed by a £360k investment by leading pub company Punch Pubs & Co, the refurbishment has been led by freelance creative director Jemma Kiddle, who specialises in premium hospitality design. “I believe in creating authentic spaces for guests to enjoy through craft, reuse, and small, thoughtful changes that quietly reduce our impact,” Jemma says. Now in her eleventh project with Punch, her approach focuses on creating spaces that feel warm, welcoming and built to last – places the community can enjoy every day.
Sustainability has been a guiding principle throughout the project, with a focus on using reclaimed, restored and surplus materials where possible. The scheme champions considered reuse, incorporating overlooked leathers from supplier Crest and green tiles with natural glaze variation from sustainable manufacturer Alusid.
Discontinued wall coverings have been provided by Muraspec, and end-of-line fabrics by Linwood, both delivered by contractor, Brynwells. Much of the furniture and decorative lighting is vintage or reclaimed, and any new items were introduced only where necessary.
Where new pieces were required, suppliers were carefully selected for their environmental or social values, including independent makers on Etsy and artisan producers – an approach which supports smaller creatives while bringing individuality and craftsmanship into every corner of the pub.
The Bridge Inn’s redesign draws on Weymouth’s rich history, combining light references to the building’s agricultural past with a more expressive maritime snug, where ships, sailors and coastal details create a clear sense of place. Vintage prints, locally sourced bric‑a‑brac and artwork also add warmth and depth to the interior.
Inside, the pub has been thoughtfully zoned to support a range of guest occasions – from quiet mid‑week drinks to lively gatherings, family meals and relaxed dining, both inside and out. The flexible layout allows the pub to evolve throughout the day and respond to the needs of the local community and visiting guests alike.
This transformation demonstrates how a pub can be sensitively refurbished with both environmental awareness and local relevance in mind. With its considered material choices, support for independent makers and layered design approach, The Bridge Inn is ready to welcome guests back and continue its vital role at the heart of the community.
Punch Pubs & Co Operations Manager, Grant Read, said: “This is an incredibly exciting project to be part of. I’m truly proud and excited to welcome our guests back through the doors and into this beautifully restored pub.
“Our ambition was to bring something to the community that feels genuinely special – a pub that celebrates Weymouth’s rich heritage, supports local people and offers a welcoming space for everyone, all whilst maintaining its charm and character. We’re incredibly proud of the thoughtful approach taken throughout the refurbishment, and can’t wait for guests to experience The Bridge Inn’s new look as it begins this exciting new chapter.”
More information about the pub’s reopening on the 31st of March can be found on the pub’s website.
Pub website: The Bridge Inn