Derby's Travellers Rest shows off new look

Community pub The Travellers Rest in Derby reopened this month, following the first phase of a £320,000 refurbishment. 

The combined investment comes from licensee Andy Newton and landlord Admiral Taverns.  

Thanks to the investment – which has been split into two parts, with the second phase due to commence at the start of 2026 – The Travellers Rest now boasts upgraded furniture, flooring, fixtures and fittings, alongside a newly revamped bar area. New sports screens have also gone in.

Externally, the pub has been freshly painted and now features brand-new lighting and signage, along with a spacious beer garden to the rear of the pub that seats approximately 100 people. 

“I’m absolutely thrilled with the results of this fantastic investment," says Newton. "It was a joy to welcome the community back on Monday, just in time to celebrate the countdown to Christmas, and show off the pub’s brand new look."  

Phase two

Moving forward, the second phase of the investment will bring the community a transformed function suite – situated in a separate building to the rear of the pub – available for private hire, complete with its very own bar and facilities.

Newton will continue to host a schedule of regular entertainment, including the local darts team on Mondays, quiz nights on Tuesdays and live acoustic music every fortnight on a Wednesday from 8pm.

In addition, the licensee will be hosting a variety of charity events to raise money for local children’s charity Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre, which aims to give children from disadvantaged backgrounds the chance to laugh, grow and thrive through unforgettable holidays, new experiences and lifelong memories.   

"Since taking over, Andy has brought real passion and dedication to The Travellers Rest and it’s been a joy watching him build a popular, community focused pub that is cherished by local residents," adds Richard Skinner, BDM at Admiral Taverns. "On behalf of everyone at Admiral Taverns, I look forward to seeing all that he will achieve following this investment and wish Andy and the whole team at The Travellers Rest the very best for the future."

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