The Borough Arms is set to make a comeback in Ilkeston town centre, with its new team revealing plans for a major refurbishment of the pub.
Work is due to get underway at the Borough Arms, with those behind the project saying they want to create a traditional, friendly public house offering good-value drinks and comfortable surroundings in the heart of Ilkeston.
And the plans involve considerably more than simply giving the building a fresh coat of paint.
The refurbishment is expected to include a brand-new cellar, designed to ensure beer is stored and served at its best, along with new toilets, resurfaced floors and comfortable fixed seating.
Warm lighting and an open fireplace are also planned, while the pub’s beer garden is set to undergo a complete renovation.
Real ales, live sport and daytime offers
Once reopened, the Borough Arms plans to serve real ales alongside draught lagers and ciders, wines and established favourites including Guinness.
Daytime hot drink and drinks offers are planned, while customers will also be able to pre-order cheese and continental meat platters.
Live sport will form part of the offering, with the team hoping the pub will appeal to people looking for anything from a quiet daytime drink to somewhere to meet friends, watch the football or enjoy a later drink at the weekend.
During later weekend opening hours, a smart-casual dress policy is also planned, including no joggers or man bags. The team says the policy will form part of its aim to maintain a safe and relaxed atmosphere.
Follow the Borough Arms transformation
There is still plenty of work to be done before customers are welcomed back through the doors, but people in Ilkeston will be able to follow the transformation as it happens.
The Borough Arms has launched a new Facebook page, where photos and updates from throughout the refurbishment will be shared.
The team said it wants people to join them on the journey and “watch The Borough Arms come back to life”.
The investment will also see another prominent town-centre premises refurbished and brought back into active use.
We’ll keep an eye on the work and bring you further updates as the reopening gets closer.