New lease of life for empty village pub transformed by ‘quirky’ makeover
The Gate pub, Caister reopens after a £200,000 makeover.Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
A pub in the heart of a seaside village has re-opened today (Thursday) following a total transformation that aims to woo back locals.
The Gate pub, Caister reopens after a £200,000 makeover.Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
The Gate, previously The Green Gate, is giving customers their first peek at the new look.
Pulling the pints is first time publican Mel Cunliffe who is hoping the new decor and “something for everyone” ethos will prove a hit.
She said the pub in the high street Caister had been a hub of activity over the past five weeks as the changes were made by teams of tradesmen.
The finished result was better than she could have ever imagined she said, adding that she hoped customers would like it too.
The Gate pub, Caister reopens after a £200,000 makeover.Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
“I just cannot wait for people to see what we have done,” she said.
“I am really excited to get some feedback. There is a little bit of something for everyone.”
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Under the £190,000 transformation the whole pub has been refurbished with a new sports bar as well as a re-fitted bar area with comfy chairs in muted greys described as “traditional with a little bit of quirky.”
Miss Cunliffe, who has lived in the village for 20 years, said she had always fancied running a pub.
Mel Cunliffe is the new landlord of the Gate pub in Caister. The pub is set to reopen after a £200,000 makeover.Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
Having seen a sign outside asking for a manager she approached Enterprise Inns saying she would be interested but only if the landmark pub was spruced up.
A former manager at Iceland the 34-year-old has big plans for the venue with live bands, sports and food.
“I have worked in pubs before but when I became a store manager I had to give it up,” she said. “It is the people side I like, the same as with retail.”
She hopes to expand the food menu which features baguettes and paninis to add more dishes and daily specials.
The Gate pub, Caister reopens after a £200,000 makeover.Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
There will be live music on the last weekend of every month.
“What we did not want to happen was for it to become a male dominated pub, so we have softened the main areas so it suits everyone.”
The pub opened to VIP guests on Wednesday and to the public yesterday (Thursday).
It will officially launch over the bank holiday weekend with Neil Francis performing on May 4 and The Watchover on May 5.
The Gate pub, Caister reopens after a £200,000 makeover.Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
Mel Cunliffe is the new landlord of the Gate pub in Caister. The pub is set to reopen after a £200,000 makeover.Picture: Nick Butcher - Credit: Nick Butcher
