Rugby MP Mark Pawsey got a taste of life behind bars to celebrate a Newbold-on-Avon pub getting back in business.
Mark visited the Barley Mow on 14th February, to celebrate its re-opening following a major investment by leaseholder Simon Parkes in partnership with Punch Taverns, one of the UK’s leading pub companies.
The Punch Taverns pub, which was closed for four weeks whilst a refurbishment took place, re-opened at the beginning of February.
Operators Simon Parkes and Kelly Bailey took Mark and Anthony on a tour of the premises with and then invited them behind the bar to pull a pint.
Speaking after his visit Mark said:
“Pubs are part of the fabric of society and at the heart of the community.”
Mark continued:
“I was pleased to be able to celebrate the re-opening of the Barley Mow and see the contribution it has made to the local area, with the creation of jobs and providing a meeting place to enjoy good food and drink.
Mark concluded:
“I thoroughly enjoyed working in such a well-run community pub and I look forward to returning in the near future on the other side of the bar.”
The pub has a loyal following in the community with a snug, games room and scenic canal-side beer garden. With the investment, the pub has expanded its food and drink offer with cask ales and ciders as well as traditional pub classics and has nine new letting rooms to cater for overnight guests.
Kelly Bailey was delighted with the pub’s positive start and Mark’s visit to the pub: “It’s great to see a local MP supporting the pub industry, especially as there has been such pressure on the sector in recent years,” she said.
“Pubs form an important part of our local community and I know the Barley Mow was missed while it was out of action. It is great to open the doors and welcome customers old and new – some people have said they haven’t been in the pub for years.
“The new look has been well-received and customers like the fact that we have kept the traditional character with features like the open fire, canal wallpaper and old photographs. We have been really busy and the food has really taken off – with many travelling from the surrounding areas to try our menu.”
Jo Hyde, Punch Taverns’ Partnership Development Manager for the Barley Mow, commented: “I want to thank Mr Pawsey for visiting the Barley Mow. The Barley Mow is a great example of a pub at the heart of the community and also appeals to tourists and boaters visiting the area, setting high standards in all aspects of the business.
“Seeing the opening success, I have every confidence that Simon and Kelly can take the pub from strength to strength.”