A VILLAGE pub near Ashbourne is in line for a six-figure makeover after finding new licensees.
The Rising Sun in Middleton will be subject to a £200,000 transformation that was due to begin on Monday.
Its new licensees, Stephen Merrick and Laura Clarke expect the revamp of their new venture, which is situated on the B5035 near Cromford, to take around six weeks.
The investment is being made by Stephen and Laura and its owners, pub chain Punch Taverns, and is geared towards making its internal style more ‘contemporary’.
As part of the re-fit its kitchen will be moved upstairs and pies will be baked on site.
Mr Merrick said: “There will be major work conducted throughout, with complete redecoration to create a warm, cosy, look and feel whilst keeping it traditional.
“By relocating the kitchen we will be able to extend the food offer and strengthen the focus on serving good quality home made food.
“The Rising Sun pie shop will be created, selling pies baked on-site and other locally sourced products - which we are sure will become very popular.
“The plans look fantastic. We will be offering the community something different and a range of facilities to suit, all along with a great customer experience. We look forward to seeing the end result.”
The pub is due to remain open until the Monday, April 15, when it will close for two weeks for the final stages of the refurbishment.
Punch Taverns’ partnership development manager Matthew Gaunt said: “It’s great that Punch can invest in their pubs with licensees who share the same vision - to bring the Rising Sun back to its former glory and position it as one of the leading country pubs in the area.
“It will provide a great range of drinks, including an improved range of cask ales to suit local demand.”
