Two North East publicans have teamed up with Ei Publican Partnerships to reopen a local pub following a joint investment of £170,000, adding new kitchen facilities and completely renovating the interior of the Castle Eden Inn, Hartlepool, Country Durham.
Long-standing friends Gail Heslop and Kim Martindale, who are both experienced publicans and well-known in the local area, have partnered to breathe new life into the Castle Eden Inn. The pub reopened in mid-August as a community local offering quality food in a relaxed environment.
A combination of Gail and Kim’s deep-seated knowledge of the local region and Ei Publican Partnerships’ insight into the best suited retail offer means the reinvigorated pub is well-set for success.
The main pub area has been completely refurbished to feature more modern décor and furniture in a bright and comfortable seating area, and the kitchen has been completely refitted with new flooring, tiling and equipment. There is also a private function room which Gail and Kim plan to use for more events and register to hold civil ceremonies. Live music will also become part of the offer with local bands playing regularly at the pub.
A new food offer consists of traditional pub classic dishes and a ‘light bites’ menu with the drinks offer enhanced through an improved range of cask ales served alongside a selection of craft gins and other spirits.
Gail and Kim first met when they worked as waitresses at the Castle Eden Inn in the 1980s and have remained friends ever since. Gail said: “When we heard the pub was available in felt like an opportunity too good to miss. We both have fond memories of our time working here – Kim actually ran the pub when it was a managed house several years ago.
“So now we have teamed up and working closely with Ei Publican Partnerships have settled upon a retail offer that we are confident will prove a winner among locals and new customers.”
Ei Publican Partnerships Regional Manager Stuart Ireland said: “We’re absolutely delighted that Gail and Kim have taken the pub on and are confident they have the skills and experience to be very successful in their new venture. They are both well known in the area and are fantastic publicans so we’re very excited about the reopening and the new look.”