One of Kimberley's oldest pubs, previously described as "a dive" in a customer's review, has been given a new lease of life after a six-figure refurbishment.
Old-school boozer the Lord Clyde has gone - and in its place, opening today (Friday May 24) at 4pm, is The Dog House pub and kitchen.
Like their other two pubs, the new owners wanted to create dog-friendly venue, which has the look of a city centre bar but the warmth and cosiness of a country inn.
A transformation, inside and out, has created inviting surroundings for eating and drinking at the prominent pub, on the town's main road.
The bar room been kitted out with new upholstery, decor, furnishings and a log burner producing a rustic, industrial style with lots of reclaimed wood, scaffolding poles, barrels, exposed brickwork, beer keg stools and flooring from a gym, complete with court markings.
What used to be a lean-to outside is now a garden room for watching sport on a giant screen hanging in the midst of a faux 'living wall' and the backyard, where punters used to nip for a smoke, has been turned into an attractive beer garden - the white walls and an olive tree giving off Mediterranean vibes in the heart of Kimbo.
When it's good weather it's a proper suntrap but the outdoor heaters and blankets will keep the chill off late into the evenings.
Owners David Fewster and Paul Oldnall, who also have Dog Houses in Hucknall and Kirkby-in-Ashfield, have made a significant investment in partnership with brewing and pub giant Greene King.
Mr Fewster said: "We hope our vision for the pub will help bring Kimberley back to its former hey day as a destination with some cracking pubs, bars and cafes."
Once The Dog House has bedded in, brunch and street food will be served but for now it's drinks - the Dog House's own lager and bitter, alongside regionally-sourced ales which will change each week and premium lagers. And for the first time at one of their venues, Kimberley cocktail lovers will be able to order an Ameretto Sour, Espresso Martini or Kir Royale.
Mr Oldnall said: "We try to offer something different that no one else is doing. The garden room has bi-fold doors so people can watch the football with all surround sound. For watching sport it's all signing and dancing, with a different atmosphere to the main bar.
"There's a lot of upscaling outside. It used to be a dumping ground. It's quite busy out there (on the main road) but this is quite relaxing with the sun hitting you."
After launching a 35-seater micro pub in Kirkby two years ago, followed by Hucknall which is twice the size, this latest project is the biggest to date with space for 120 customers.
Manager Tom McCabe said: "I think the last lick of paint was in 1998. The main bar has been brightened up. There's a relaxing vibe. Dogs are allowed and well behaved owners are allowed in too."
For the first week the pub will open at noon until midnight and 1am Friday and Saturdays. Then, from Friday, May 31, opening time will be 10am for brunch.
