Worcestershire operator takes on second lease

Worcestershire licensee Chris Madin has secured his second lease with Star Pubs, taking on The Boot in Flyford Flavell.

Having run the pub on a temporary agreement, he and his partner, Chelsea Hill, are now undertaking a joint £210,000 refurbishment with the operator, creating eight new jobs when the pub reopens in mid-August. 

Madin and Hill have run The Jubilee in Studley, another Star Pubs leasehold pub, for over 10 years. It is a large food-led destination site, while The Boot is a more premium outlet. 

The Boot 2.0

Previously, the venue had been a food-only destination. The investment will double the bar area to create the feel of a country pub. The interior and exterior upgrade will transform the site into a family- and dog-friendly village local offering food, drinks and accommodation. 

A new bar menu with a selection of small plates will be launched, including former guest favourites such as steak on a stone. The restaurant will open from lunchtime through to evening, while the bar will offer food all day from 12pm. 

"The previous licensees had The Boot for 18 years and had an established reputation for food," says Madin. 

"We hadn't planned to take The Boot but could see its potential," he adds. "It's situated in an affluent area and has a strong following. In this current climate, you see pubs come on the market that change hands frequently. It's the pubs that have long-standing licensees that are the ones to watch; they don't come on the market that often. We are not looking to expand in the short term but if the right pub came along, we'd have a look."

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