Village pub poised to reopen after year-long closure and £330,000 makeover

It opens on Friday, August 8 as a family friendly community local.

The upgrade has been carried out by Heineken-owned Star Pubs.

Good value quality pub food and live entertainment are to be a major feature of the new-look pub.

Funds have been spent on a top-to-toe redecoration of the interior of The New Talbot to create an open space with sports area including revamped pool table, darts board and TV showing Sky Sports and TNT Sports, a bar and a comfortable lounge/dining space.

New flooring and lighting and a a mix of fixed and free-standing furniture aim to give the pub a brighter, smarter more contemporary look and feel, whilst still retaining its traditional character.

The exterior of the pub has also been given a fresh look, repainted in white with red signage and new lighting.

New garden furniture has been installed in the beer garden and on the front terrace more than doubling seating to 62, with new planters and umbrellas.

The latest dispense technology has been installed to improve the quality and consistency of draught beer and cider.

The new publican Ray Whelan has moved from London with his wife, a headteacher originally from Wolverhampton, and their baby daughter, to take on The New Talbot.

Brought up in Ireland, Ray has worked in hospitality since he was 14 and has more than 20 years’ experience in the industry.

In addition to offering good food at affordable prices, Ray wants to establish a reputation for sports at The New Talbot including pool and darts.

Once the pub is up and running he plans to start a pub quiz, and host darts competitions and karaoke as well as introduce live entertainment – DJs and live music – on Saturday nights.

Ray said: “2024 is turning out to be quite a year – a new baby boy, a new environment and my first village pub.

“The village already has some good pubs, but there was room for a family friendly community local with broad appeal. The New Talbot with its new look and new means people will have on their doorstep what previously they had to travel for. I am keen to listen to locals, find out what they like and want from The New Talbot.

“My wife and I are really looking forward to becoming a part of the community and getting to know residents, so please do come in and say hello.”

Star Pubs business development manager Sam Sparrow said: “We’re delighted to be giving the village back The New Talbot and that Ray will be running the pub, making it a focal point of the community. Hospitality is in his DNA. He has had great success running popular pub businesses where he has stayed for many years. I wish him and his wife well and Cheslyn Hay residents many happy days and evenings at The New Talbot.”