Work is set to start on a £385,000 revamp of a well-known Bridgend pub to broaden its appeal and keep it thriving for the long term.
The investment at The West House on West House Road is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and will see Bridgend resident and West House regular Natasha Brueton take the helm as the new operator. The project will upgrade the tired pub into a great quality local, serving good food and boasting one of the best sports areas in Bridgend. The West House will close after last orders on the 12th June and is scheduled to reopen in early August creating 10 additional jobs.
The overhaul will renovate the outside of the distinctive stone pub, which is believed to date back to the early 1900s, and refresh its 40-seater garden with new furniture, planting and umbrellas.
An internal makeover will refurbish The West House throughout, retaining a traditional feel in keeping with the building’s architecture, whilst making it more comfortable and stylish. The redesign will incorporate leather-covered banquette seating, feature wallpaper and a warm heritage colour scheme. The pub will have a spacious lounge – with room for dining – as well as a bar and a sports area kitted out with two new pool tables, a dartboard and a state-of-the-art AV system with big screens showing Sky and BT Sports.
The kitchen will be extended and refitted to enable Natasha to introduce a new menu of traditional pub favourites, such as fish & chips and steaks. Dishes will be good quality but reasonably priced with a separate menu for children. To complement the food and cater for all occasions, there will be a wide selection of beers, spirits and wines plus a cocktail menu and a new coffee machine serving hot drinks all day.
Natasha – who grew up in a pub and has many years experience in the sector – says she “jumped at the chance” to take on The West House when she heard it was available: “I applied the same day. It’ll be my first pub of my own. It’s a dream come true to be taking on such a lovely pub and following in my mum’s footsteps. The West House is very dated, but it’s a beautiful old building and has a wonderful atmosphere, thanks to its friendly customers and staff. The plans are amazing, and with all the improvements and a smart new look, The West House will ‘have it all’. There aren’t many pubs in this part of Bridgend. I’ve been overwhelmed by all the interest and support for the scheme. Everyone is really excited.”
Natasha wants The West House to be a “hub of the community with something for everyone.” To that end, she will put on regular activities to bring residents together, ranging from a quiz and music nights to karaoke and family fun days. Natasha will also offer the pub as a meeting space for local organisations and groups, and hold charity fundraisers for good causes selected by regulars. With pool and darts at the pub, Natasha is appealing for anyone interested in setting up teams to get in touch. Customers’ four-legged friends have not been forgotten either, and there will be dog treats on the bar and water on tap.
Adds Dave Morgan, Star Pubs & Bars’ area manager: “We’re delighted to be investing in The West House and giving it a new lease of life. The refurbishment will bring it into the 21st century and give people lots more reasons to visit. Natasha is passionate about creating a superb local, and her experience and enthusiasm are just what The West House needs. We wish her all the best.”
