WORK will soon start on a £300,000 refurb set to completely transform a Kidderminster pub following a four-month closure.

The investment, at The Hare & Hounds on Stourbridge Road, is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and will see Jane and Mike Graham take the helm as the new licensees.

It will introduce food, events and live sports and revamp the outside space into a year-round alfresco area, turning The Hare & Hounds into “a local that has it all,” according to Jane.

The pub is scheduled to reopen in mid-May in time to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Six new jobs are set to be created.

Kidderminster Shuttle: The pub in its current state The pub in its current state

The project will overhaul the outside of the tired pub with new paintwork, cladding, signage and lighting, enhancing the neighbourhood.

New café-style seating and planting at the front will complete the smart look.
The large rear patio will have a makeover, too, including new seating for 140 people, covers for all-weather use and festoon lighting.

The pub will have a traditional bar, a dining area and a sports zone kitted out with pool, darts and screens showing BT and Sky Sports.

The Grahams are keen to put The Hare & Hounds on the map for its drinks as well as its food.

Jane and Mike say they are keen for The Hare & Hounds to become a “hub of the community that caters for everyone.”

The couple plan to start a host of activities and events to bring residents together, ranging from quiz nights and bingo to live music and family fun days.

Kidderminster Shuttle: An artist's impression of the new look for the pub An artist's impression of the new look for the pub

The duo will open up the pub as a meeting space for local organisations and groups, and hold charity fundraisers for good causes selected by regulars.

With a new sports zone, the Grahams are appealing for anyone interested in setting up teams for pool, darts and other sports to get in touch.

The Hare & Hounds is Jane and Mike’s first pub. Previously in events, they have been looking for the right pub for more than two years and are moving from Birmingham to take on The Hare & Hounds.

Jane said: “We regularly come to Kidderminster and have friends here. The Hare & Hounds looked unloved but as soon as we saw the plans, we knew it was ‘the one’ – it’ll be amazing.

"It’s everything we want – a chance to create a great local pub that all can enjoy in a town that we know and love.

"We’ve been overwhelmed by all the interest and support; residents are really excited about the changes. We can’t wait to open the doors and show people their new-look local.”

Star Pubs & Bars’ area manager Thomas Timmons said: “We’re delighted to be joining forces with Jane and Mike to give The Hare & Hounds a new lease of life and broaden its appeal, There’ll be many more reasons to visit once the work is done. Jane and Mike have lots of experience in hospitality and are passionate about making The Hare & Hounds an asset to the local area. We wish them all the best.”

Refurb work on the pub starts on March 28.