Robinsons Brewery cultivates new look for the Farmers Arms
The Farmers Arms pub in Poynton, Cheshire, has unveiled its brand new look following substantial investment by Robinsons Brewery and licensees Martin Crank and Simon Hood.
Left to Right - William Robinson, Martin Crank and Simon Hood Pour the first pint
The pub, located in Robinsons’ Cheshire heartland, was closed for 14 weeks whilst the brewery design team extended the trading area and transformed the interior.
Built in the late 18th century, the pub has benefited from a number of investments over the years but this is certainly its most ambitious design to date. With 10 square metres of wall mounted flowers, 2,900 multi-coloured butterflies and a life size floral cow, the Farmers Arms is anything but your run-of-the-mill village pub.
Speaking on behalf of the Robinsons Design Team, Neil Robinson-Stanier, Robinsons Director said: “The last major refurbishment took place around 32 years ago and although we have carried out minor design changes over the years, the pub needed an overhaul to meet the retail design expectations of a pub in 2014. The plan was to design a scheme that was full of fun, theatre and interest.”
Upon entry you are greeted by the gaze of Ermantrude, a full-size fiberglass cow. Hand painted, her floral design emulates the upholstery that adorns several new seating areas and is a taster of what awaits.
Elsewhere, customers will be charmed with a flutter of butterflies across the ceiling and a pantheon of cascading flowers that seemingly grow from the walls creating a theatrical focal point that has never before been seen in a Robinsons pub.
“The design has turned everything on its head” said licensee Martin Crank. “If you compared the pub to what it looked like at the start of the year you wouldn’t believe it’s the same place! It’s become more than just a place to drink and eat, it’s become an experience.”
Major structural work has also taken place with the addition of an impressive orangery. New wallpaper, which resembles the shadows of trees, covers the walls of the new extension and seems to move with each cloud that passes overhead.
The bar has been beautifully rebuilt in walnut with a new back bar area displaying over 30 connoisseur spirits that have been carefully chosen to complement the Farmers Arms new premium offering.
The pub will now serve a menu that combines honest home cooked dishes with locally sourced produce. Grazing boards, 28 day matured steaks, freshly made salads, English sausages, leeks wrapped in bacon and mackerel pate are just a taste of what’s available on the new diverse menu.
Martin continued: “We’ve really never ventured into food but with the help of Robinsons Catering Development Manager, Christian Whittleworth, we’ve come up with a menu that combines good hearty English cuisine with an adventurous edge.”
“The result has been amazing” exclaimed Ellis Wardle, Business Development Manager for Robinsons Brewery. “The pub has exceeded all expectations and it is a credit to the fantastic support team we have at the brewery. With the support of our design, property, cellar, wine and retail marketing teams we have created a milestone pub for the brewery and one that will be celebrated for many years to come.”
Opening the new look Farmers Arms, William Robinson, Managing Director of Robinsons Brewery (Pubs Division), said: “This pub is not only a landmark pub for Poynton but for our brewery as a whole. We believe that pubs are all about stories and history. The entrance even incorporates a half crown coin which was originally stuck onto the old bar over 50 years ago by Martin’s father-in-law; it is part of the rich history of this pub and is a microcosm of our core beliefs – embracing heritage whilst looking towards the future.”
Closing, joint licensee Simon Hood said: “We are delighted with the hard work that has been put in by Robinsons Brewery and cannot overstate how supportive the brewery have been throughout our 6 year partnership. We look forward to continuing with this site and others as we enter into our 7th year with the company. The Farmers Arms is no longer a simple country pub, it’s a fun and lively customer experience that we know will appeal not only to the people of Poynton but to customers from all around. We invite everyone to come and see this amazing transformation.”
The Farmers Arms is located at 90 Park Lane, Poynton, SK12 1RE and is open daily serving home cooked food and award winning Robinsons cask ales such as Unicorn, Dizzy Blonde and TROOPER.
For reservations please call the pub on 01625 875858 and to keep up-to-date with The Farmers Arms please visit: www.farmersarms.pub, follow them on twitter: @farmerspoynton and like them on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/farmersarmspoynton
