Revamped Red Lion to become The Keymaster
Around 60 new jobs are being created over the coming months as a landmark pub is transformed into part of the Hungry Horse chain.
The 20th Century Willenhall pub, formerly known as the Red Lion, is currently undergoing a major refurbishment before it re-opens in December – in time for the Christmas season – as The Keymaster, renamed in tribute to Willenhall's ties to the lock-making industry.
Hungry Horse is part of the Suffolk-based Greene King brewing and pubs chain, which has bought the Red Lion.
The company, which says its is making a 'substantial investment' in the project, is now advertising for 60 full and part time workers for the pub, on Wolverhampton Road West, including bar and waiting staff, assistant manager and kitchen managers. At least 20 will be full time posts
Matt Brown, business unit director for Hungry Horse, said: "We are very excited about this addition to Hungry Horse and to be bringing our fun, great value and family friendly pub to Willenhall.
"Changing the name was not just to show that this is a fresh start for the pub but also because being part of the local community is important to us, so it is vital the name reflects this.
"We have made changes to the property itself and are now in the process of building a new team from people in the local community. We pride ourselves in creating a welcoming and atmospheric environment in all of our pubs and I am sure the Keymaster will be no different."
Work inside the pub, which began a month ago, includes knocking through the old function room to create a spacious open plan area offering a contemporary look throughout and will include HD TVs, leather booth seating areas complete with their own TVs and a play area for children.
The company says the pub will aim to offer 'great value' on its range of soft drinks, wines, lagers and real ales and on the Hungry Horse food menu, renowned for its sizeable Big Plate Specials.
Also inside the pub will be a pool table and darts board and there are plans for regular quiz nights and light entertainment.
An experienced husband and wife team has been appointed to run the new Hungry Horse.
Greene King, founded in 1799 and based in Bury St Edmunds, currently employs 23,000 people across its breweries – producing well-known ales such as Greene King IPA, Abbot Ale and Old Speckled Hen – and 1,900 pubs
It is considered a major rival of Wolverhampton-based Marston's, which has around 1,800 pubs and five breweries nationwide.
