Fastest growing operator-led pub company, Craft Union has invested £111,000 into a much-loved, local 16th century pub, the Kings Arms in Bideford. The traditional pub has undergone an interior redecoration and is set to reopen on Friday 3rd May with an official launch opening party the following day.
The investment in the Kings Arms follows Craft Union’s recent £125,000 refurbishment of fellow North Devon favourite, the Wellington Arms in Ilfracombe, that also reopened this May, bringing the total investment amount to just under a quarter of a million across the two venues.
In keeping with the area’s maritime heritage, the Kings Arms has been lovingly renovated with its nautical theme intact. The low-beamed pub features a raised sports area and has received a thorough makeover, breathing new life into the venue with a revitalising update to the main seating areas and bar, giving it a fresh look and feel within its history filled premises.
The Kings Arms is a stones throw from River Torridge and the pub’s three spacious ensuite rooms all benefit from riverside views. The venue has long been a staple of the historic Devon port town, with the old-world pub dating back to the mid 1500s.
Located on the Bideford quayside, the pub is also dog friendly and ideal for walkers, owing to its location next to the South West Coast Path. The pub was once one of four adjoining public houses on the early quay and still has many external traces of its rich Elizabethan history. Guests can still spot its sunken steps down to the front door which indicate how much the quay has been raised since its initial opening.
The much-loved local hub reopens with new operators Julie and Leigh Murray at the helm of the establishment. The duo are an experienced local pair, who have been in the hospitality industry running pubs for the past few years. They are very much looking forward to welcoming back locals and guests alike as they re-open the Kings Arms with a fresh, new look and improved amenities.
The duo commented: “We have run pubs for a number of years and our goal for the Kings Arms is to make it a true community hub and a pillar within Bideford and a place for locals and visitors alike to enjoy. We are originally from Scotland and Wales respectively and have absolutely fallen in love with North Devon and the history of the Kings Arms. We are so excited to get to know our locals, the community, and make Bideford our forever home. We hope to see you in the pub soon!”
Following the pub’s reopening, the Kings Arms will also be hosting a launch party to officially welcome the community back to the pub. The pub will be hosting an evening of live music on Saturday 4th May that all are welcome to join.
The Kings Arms also reopens with an exciting weekly events agenda for locals to get involved with. The pubs prides itself on its range of activities, with something for everyone, whether that be taking part in their football quiz every Tuesday evening, bingo and coffee morning on Wednesdays, karaoke and duck racing on Thursdays, a weekly pool competition alongside the pub’s 80s night every Friday and a games night on Sundays.
For further information on the pubs upcoming re-opening, and its events and offers, please visit the Kings Arms website or Facebook Page.