DELIGHTED pub staff are looking ahead to many more years of success after a major refurb helped create a modern feel while retaining the venue’s much-loved historic features. 

Tom Dixon, manager at the Rayleigh Lodge, on The Chase, said he and his team were ecstatic to welcome customers back on Friday following a three-week closure. 
A major refurbishment has seen the pub transformed with a new, modern look, while keeping the traditional feel that customers know and love. 

The manager - Tom Dixon stands outside the Rayleigh Lodge pubThe manager - Tom Dixon stands outside the Rayleigh Lodge pub (Image: Michael Robinson)

 

Mr Dixon said the re-opening was “a special night” as both regulars and the community packed out the venue.

Customers have been quick to praise the renovation for giving the pub a 21st century feel, while retaining its character and historic features. 

The business itself is tied to history, with its location, close to Grove Wood, once acquired by Henry VIII during his courtship of Anne Boleyn.

 

Fully refurbished - The Lodge underwent a four-week refurbishment and closed up shop for three weeksFully refurbished - The Lodge underwent a four-week refurbishment and closed up shop for three weeks (Image: Michael Robinson)

 


Mr Dixon said: “Regulars were worried that it might become quite generic, but the response has been amazing, absolutely amazing. We’ve made some fundamental changes, customers have said the place feels fresh but it still feels like the Lodge. They said it was a long time coming, everyone has really enjoyed the new colour scheme, the minimalist style, they’ve loved everything. 

“It still feels like the Lodge, it still has its character. It just feels like the Lodge 2.0.”

A refreshed bar, new furniture and an expanded dining space are some of the new changes which have been made to provide guests with a relaxed environment to enjoy their visit.

He said one of the biggest changes was the renovation to the pub’s “dingy” toilets, and said making them more welcoming was “key to the business.”

 

Ready, Steady, Cook - Daniel Gale said the pub has been very busy since reopeningReady, Steady, Cook - Daniel Gale said the pub has been very busy since reopening (Image: Michael Robinson)

 

Rosslyn Lamb, 58, a member of the front of house staff, added: “It was an old building, it really needed a lot doing to it. I’m amazed they managed to finish it on time. There were a few tears when I saw it, it was beautiful. The colours are lovely, the different textures on the chairs, the artwork, all very tastefully done. It has not detracted from the building at all. It’s been extremely busy since reopening.”

Daniel Gale, 47, kitchen manager, is now preparing to introduce a new menu.

He said: “It was probably one of the busiest Sundays since I’ve been here. People can come here and be confident they’re going to get a good feed.”