WADWORTH REOPENS THE BLACK HORSE FOLLOWING HUGE REFURBISHMENT PROJECT

Wadworth, the pub operator and family brewer, has invested £350,000 into The Black Horse in Sowton, and doors are now open to the public following the huge refurbishment.

The pub, which has belonged to the Wadworth estate since 2010, was the brewery’s first move into Devon. It has been completely refurbished throughout, including new décor and furnishings – creating a contemporary, modern, family dining experience.

The restaurant now forms part of the whole trading space, and a theatre style kitchen has been created, allowing customers to see chefs preparing their food. The exterior of the pub has been redesigned, resigned and a small outside drinking area has been added to the front of the building.

The Black Horse is also going to be a pilot pub to trial Wadworth’s Retail Franchise Agreement, where the Business Partner will be fully supported by the brewery in operating their business. Wadworth will pay all the operating expenses and the Business Partner will retain a percentage of turnover to cover staffing costs and their own costs. The agreement is a mix of both a traditional tenancy and a managed house agreement without the normal capital investment required for a tenancy.

Lloyd Stephens, operations director of tenanted pubs at Wadworth said, “We are thrilled with the outcome of the refurbishment of The Black Horse in Sowton. It changes the whole feel of the pub, creating a new atmosphere that families can enjoy.

“We have a new menu at the pub, bringing it in line with our Family Dining sites, and a comprehensive range of beers, lagers, wines and spirits. The Black Horse now has an offering for everybody.”