A once-derelict pub in a Derbyshire town has undergone a major revamp thanks to an investment of nearly £1 million.
The Blue Stoops, in Dronfield, has reopened after a 13-week restoration project which saw it transformed into the "coziest pub in Derbyshire", according to its owners.
Operator Chilled Pubs, which owns multiple pubs across Derbyshire, including The Bulls Head in Repton and The Joiners Arms in Derby, has taken on the venue and expanded its pub area, as well as introduced additional restaurant seating on the first floor.
The pub, which reopened on November 17, now offers a wide selection of cocktails, traditional pub classics, wood-fired pizzas and southeast-asian inspired dishes.
Owner Richard Pope, who has 45 years of experience working in pubs, has been growing the business Chilled Pubs together with his wife for the last 18 years.
"We've now reached the giddy heights of seven pubs in total," he said. "We either buy derelict pubs or failed businesses, usually both, and try to invest in them and create something out of nothing."
"We bought The Blue Stoops two and a half years ago. It's been really difficult getting planning permission, but once we did, we burned through nearly a million pounds to restore this place."
Richard explained their menu was different to what guests may usually find in a pub, adding: "We try to do pub-restaurant food, but with a difference.
"We don't want to copy anybody else, and we've got quite a heavy Southeast Asian influence on our menu."
"We've also added an authentic Italian wood-fired pizza oven in the middle of the bar area, so we can produce fresh wood-fired pizzas on site."
"We do major on cocktails, but we don't copy anyone else's. The bar teams get together three times a year for a 'shake-off', we sit around drinking cocktails all day and come up with something new."
The extensive refurbishment of the pub focused on preserving its heritage whilst creating an inviting atmosphere.
"I think we've created the most cosy pub in Derbyshire, certainly within Chilled Pubs," Richard said.
"There was a lot of artificial block work and panelling hiding the authentic features.
"Our approach is what we call 'undecorating', so we stripped everything back and exposed what we could."
"The Blue Stoops is the ultimate cosy pub, and we hope it's something the people of Dronfield can be proud of."
General manager Simon Gardner added: "We've spent a lot of dosh on this project, but we think it's been worth every penny.
"We've been able to uncover and restore some incredible original features and make this building something truly special.
"We've uncovered six original fireplaces, one of them dated 1586, a medieval plank and muntin wall which we have left exposed for guests to enjoy.
"But we've added that Chilled Pubs flare which brings it altogether, and I can say that the pub definitely feels very cosy."