The Horns in Slitting Mill will begin an exciting new chapter as new operators Simon and Karen prepare to reopen the pub on 17th of February following a major £400,000 investment from Punch Pubs & Co.
Simon and Karen bring decades of hospitality experience and a deep family connection to the industry. “Hospitality has always been at the heart of who we are,” Simon said. “It’s where our story began over 30 years ago. Since then, we’ve shared countless experiences both professionally and as a family.”
Continuing to operate as a proud family of six, Simon and Karen are eagerly anticipating the pub’s reopening and have been documenting its extensive transformation on social media.
Breathing new life into the pub, the investment aims to establish the Horns as the go-to place in the community, which offers great food, warm hospitality and vibrant community spirit.
While guests will be delighted to know that the pub will remain dog-friendly in designated areas, they are set to be wowed by the other changes, which include full external decorations and signage, a complete internal refresh with lighting, new furniture and bric-a-brac. Outdoors, the current space will be revitalised with new facilities, planters and a dog wash – making it an inclusive, safe space for everyone to enjoy.
The pub’s food and drinks offering has also been given an overhaul. Food will sit at the heart of The Horns’ offer, led by Head Chef, Arek, a long-standing member of the team who began his journey with the family at just 16 years old.
Simon shared: “We’re thrilled to have Arek leading our kitchen – he started with us at just 16, worked his way up, and now has a reputation for hearty, great food backed by 5-star ratings and consistently exceptional standards.”
Their hearty and homely menu will feature bar snacks and sharers like crispy pea, and lemon bites, tater tots with gochujang mayonnaise and butter chicken croquettes, alongside their range of classic mains like Somerset pork and fennel ravioli, Highland venison casserole and Hunter’s chicken schnitzel.
With just over a week left of the extensive renovation, when The Horns reopens, the community will be central to its identity – from local clubs to walking groups, families, and sports enthusiasts. “We want The Horns to be a true community hub,” Karen said. “Whether it’s local clubs, walking groups, horse riders or families out for a great meal, we aim to be a welcoming destination for everyone.”
Community cohesion includes the launch of Horns FC for the 2026/27 season – a team currently top of the SDSL League 2, proudly managed by Simon and Karen’s son.
“Launching Horns FC for the 2026/27 season is a really proud moment for us,” the hospitality duo proudly shared. “It’s a fantastic local connection and a great start to our community partnerships. The pub will also support meaningful local causes, starting with Pancreatic Cancer UK – a charity personally significant to our family.”
As final changes and the countdown to reopening the pub are underway, The Horns team are preparing to host a special opening night featuring Lee Diamond Magic, a close-up magician and childhood friend of Simon who now performs nationwide.
With a blend of investment, experience, and family-driven passion, The Horns is poised to become a stand-out pub, with the backing of Punch Pubs & Co Operations Manager, Tony Riley.
“This is more than a refresh,” Tony said. “It’s a bold new direction. Our ambition is simple: to make The Horns the number one destination in Staffordshire for great food, exceptional service, and truly unforgettable experiences. I’m incredibly confident that Simon and Karen will lead this pub to success – we’re counting down the days to the reopening.”
More information about the pub’s new offer, and updates on its mammoth renovation can be found on The Horns’ social media pages.
Pub website: https://www.thehornsinn.com/