A community pub in Hull has returned following a huge makeover costing almost £300,000.
The Drake, in Bodmin Road, Bransholme, will officially reopen at 6pm today (Thursday, July 10), boasting a new look inside and out. Behind the bar will be passionate community hero, Mike Lincoln, who has spent the past 18 months working with Proper Pubs, of which The Drake is part, to bolster his experience within the hospitality industry, with the ultimate goal of managing his own venue.
Having gone to school in the surrounding area and having spent much of his childhood visiting Bransholme to see his grandparents, Mike looks forward to returning to his roots and creating a vibrant social hub for the community to enjoy. He said: “I’m delighted to be taking over The Drake and it’s been great to see the refurbishment take shape and come to life.
“The pub already looks amazing and myself and the team can’t wait to welcome back both old and new customers to show off its brand-new look. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Proper Pubs for all the support the team has provided throughout this exciting journey, and I look forward to all that’s to come for this fantastic community pub.”
Inside, customers will find the pub completely transformed with new furniture, flooring, fixtures and fittings throughout to breathe a fresh lease of life into The Drake, as well as several flat screen televisions complete with Sky, TNT Sports and horse racing channels. In addition, there is a revamped main bar area, as well as two additional bars including one in the lounge – which will host its own karaoke machine – and one in the sports room that will feature a new pool table and darts area.
See more photos from inside the pub below
Outside, The Drake has new lighting and signage to greet customers as well as a spacious, wheelchair-accessible beer garden seating at least 60 people – perfect to enjoy during the summer months. Launch night will include an exciting evening line-up of live entertainment, including a performance by local singer, Alex from Venus, from 8pm.
Going forward, Mike will continue to host a busy schedule of entertainment including regular live music, DJ nights, pool and darts teams, games clubs, karaoke evenings, and quizzes to further bring local residents together. In addition, he is hoping to support all aspects of community life by collecting food to donate to the local foodbank as well as raising money to have a lifesaving defibrillator installed.
Mike also plans on running fundraising events for local charity, Downright Special, a cause dedicated to supporting children and young people with Down syndrome. Matthew Gurney, operations director for Proper Pubs, said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Mike to The Drake, and it’s great to see the refurbishment progressing so well.
“We’re currently focusing on perfecting those last few details before we reopen to the community on July 10. On behalf of myself and the Proper Pubs team, we wish Mike all the best with his plans at The Drake and we hope the opening night is roaring success.”