Craft Union Invests £700,000 into Six Much-Loved Devon Pubs in the Span of a Month

Between 2nd May and 6th June 2024, Craft Union has invested a phenomenal £700,000 into six key community pubs in Devon. The most recent investment is a significant £211,000 into the Sir Joshua Reynolds in Plymouth, which reopens on Thursday 6thJune.

The Sir Joshua Reynolds was named after the pre-eminent portrait painter of the same name, who was a significant figure during the 18th century. Reynolds was born in Plympton, Plymouth and was the first president of The Royal Academy and was considered the leading figure in the art scene by many during that period. As part of the pub’s refurbishment, the Sir Joshua Reynolds is converting into a Craft Union site and has undergone an interior refurbishment with the addition of Sky and TNT Sports and improved viewing facilities as well as a garden makeover, just in time for any upcoming summer socials. 

Following its reopening on 6th June, the Sir Joshua Reynolds will be hosting a fun-filled launch party from Saturday 8th June to Monday 10th June. On the Saturday, the pub will have live music in the garden from 6pm-8pm and then live music inside from Andy Hart from 10pm till late. The live music theme continues on Sunday as live rock band, 2 Cards Short grace the Sir Joshua Reynolds stage before the pub hosts a garden party on Monday 10th June with an acoustic performance from Jason Peerless and karaoke from 8:30pm.

Other significant investments in the Devon region include Craft Union’s £65,000 makeover of the King’s Head Plymouth, and the £90,000 refurbishment of the Duke of York Inn, Exeter, which reopened on the 21st and 22nd of May respectively. 

The investments into both pubs have provided the sites with a refreshed look and feel, with new furniture, lighting, flooring and décor, to breathe new life and vibrancy into the spaces whilst retaining their original charm. At the Kings Head in Plymouth, the pub benefits from modernisation of key facilities as well as a refreshed outdoor area with new signage.

These refurbishments follow Craft Union’s recent investment in three other key Devon sites including Yates Torquay, also in South Devon. North Devon favourites such as the Kings Arms in Bideford and Wellington Arms in Ilfracombe also reopened following significant investment in early May. £97,000 was invested in Yates Torquay, £111,000 into Kings Arms Bideford and £125,000 into Wellington Arms, Ilfracombe respectively.

Craft Union is the fastest growing operator led business in the UK and operates more than 500 pubs across the country.