A well-known pub near Bristol is set to undergo a huge makeover after being taken on by new owners.
Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and Weston-super-Mare born-and-bred licensees, husband and wife team Frank and Rebecca Sprackman, have had to put off the renovations for two years due to the pandemic.
But 2022 is set to see the project begin as the couple celebrate their second anniversary at the helm of The Walnut Tree in Winterstoke Road.
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The pair said the lockdowns have been "very challenging" for the business, particularly at the start of the pandemic due to uncertainties surrounding whether they would be able to reopen.
However, with aims to "make the best of the situation" and "concentrate on the positives", they used this time to begin making small improvements to the pub in the hope of giving the community something to look forward to when it reopened.
As well as this, the lockdowns provided them time to get to know the community, with local residents stopping for a chat when they saw them working on the garden, often sharing their thoughts.
The Sprackmans took over the reins of the pub just before the pandemic hit and, despite lockdowns and restrictions, have transformed The Walnut Tree from a little-used, unloved local into a popular family-friendly pub and a focal point of the community. The refurbishment aims to give the pub a quality look to match its new direction.
The four-week project will finish by mid-February and, determined to ensure that residents retain their gathering place, Frank and Rebecca will keep the pub open throughout the works.
The overhaul will fully renovate the exterior of The Walnut Tree with new paintwork, signage and lighting, enhancing the neighbourhood and the approach to the town centre.
The inside will be completely redecorated and upgraded too, with plans to make it more comfortable and contemporary. The pub’s old conservatory will be replaced to provide additional dining space, as well as a smart 60-seater function room for the events they look forward to hosting.
Prior to the Sprackmans taking over, temporary operators had run The Walnut Tree for nearly a decade, and residents were concerned for its future.
However, in the past two years, it has seen a new lease of life with the introduction of entertainment and family events, restarted pool, darts and skittles teams and the use of the pub as a meeting space for local organisations, ranging from a knitting group to a veterans’ club.
The menu has also had a revamp and now features homemade traditional pub favourites like bangers and mash and burgers, using ingredients sourced from local suppliers. The Walnut Tree’s Saturday morning breakfasts and sell-out Sunday lunches are also known locally as specialities.
"Residents have supported us every step of the way, showing how much they value having a good local," said Frank.
"We can’t thank them enough. The refurbishment will take The Walnut Tree to another level. We can’t wait to show the community the new look."
The couple told Bristol Live that they are "excited for the future" with the renovations looking to be finished by mid-February, ready for a year of community filled fun.
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