Northumberland operator takes on second Star lease
The pub, which has been closed for three years, will reopen in mid-April following a £420,000 refurbishment.
Northumberland licensee, Robbie Morgan, has taken on The Schooner in Amble, his second Star lease.
The pub, which has been closed for three years, will reopen in mid-April following a £420,000 joint refurbishment with Star Pubs, and 16 new jobs will be created.
An experienced licensee and chef, Morgan wants to create a similar set-up to his other Star Pub site, The Half Moon in Stakeford, a premium food-led destination pub he has run since 2019.
The revamp
The refurbishment will transform the rundown local into a family- and dog-friendly premium pub with ensuite bedrooms. The interior is being reconfigured to create a bar for locals, along with a main bar/dining lounge. The toilets will also be upgraded and a new commercial kitchen will be installed.
Outside, The Schooner will be smartened up with new signage and lighting and will have seating for 48 on the front terrace. The large beer garden will also have new seating, planters and festoon lighting installed.
"Both The Half Moon and The Schooner are located in tourist locations and have letting rooms, providing additional income streams," says Morgan. "Their offers appeal to locals and tourists alike.
“My intention is to grow my pub estate in the North East organically. I don’t have a target number of pubs that I want to reach or a timeframe. I will investigate opportunities as they arise. My bullseye is premium and quality food pubs in destination locations, which are proving resilient in these challenging economic times.”
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