Corby pub to re-open after £350,000 investment

Pub operator Punch has announced an investment in The Phoenix pub in Beanfield Avenue, which will re-open on Friday, April 15, following a major refurbishment that will give the premises a much-needed makeover both inside and out.

Publican Lorraine McKimmie worked at the pub 10 years ago and is delighted to be back.

She said: “I’m so excited to be back at The Phoenix.

“I worked at the pub 10 years ago and could always see its potential as a great local community pub – it just needed some investment.

“Thanks to Punch, the pub is getting a much-deserved makeover, and I’m determined to make it the first choice for locals and passing trade.

“In the past, The Phoenix was a traditional drinking pub but when we re-open I’m confident that the changes that are being made will attract a wider range of customers.

It will be a friendly, comfortable place to enjoy a coffee in the morning as well as a drink with friends and family.

“I’m delighted to say that we will have our own darts team again and I hope to get a football team up and running again in the summer.

“We will be having regular live entertainment and hope to introduce bar snacks in the near future.

“We will be open for business again from 7pm on Friday, April 15, and to celebrate we will have a rock and roll band playing.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming customers both old and new and putting the Phoenix back on the map at the heart of the local community.”

The Phoenix will be redecorated throughout including feature wallpapers depicting local interests, new curtains, flooring, lighting and furniture.

The bar will have a clearly defined games area with new darts board, pool table, TVs and games machines.

The existing stage in the lounge is to be removed and replaced with corner seating and booths, additional tables and chairs will also be added.

The bar will be reduced in size to create a better serving area accessible from both the bar area and the lounge to provide a better flow for customers throughout the pub.

Externally, The Phoenix will be enhanced aesthetically to improve its appeal to passers-by.

Improvements include full redecoration, new windows and doors, new signage and lighting and a patio area with attractive planting scheme and post and rope fencing.

Punch openings manager Richard Wennington said: “It’s fair to say that The Phoenix had seen better days in terms of its appearance and improvements needed to be made to develop it as a business.

“I’m confident that our significant investment, combined with Lorraine’s enthusiasm to make it a success will bring The Phoenix into the 21st century and establish it as a true local community pub where everyone will feel welcome.

“I’m looking forward to continually supporting Lorraine and her team in the future.”