Treasured old Derbyshire pub set to reopen after £210,000 refurb

Curiously-named boozer The Spanker was taken on by long-time publicans Cheryl and Paul Brew during the first lockdown - who sadly had to close again in November.

However the couple hope the new upgrade will restore the “tired” building into a “great quality village local” - giving it “one of the best gardens in the area”.

A garden makeover will install a children’s play area and a “stunning” space for alfresco eating and drinking with a pagoda, festoon lighting and timber furniture.

The Spanker’s interior will be refurbished throughout - keeping the Nether Heage pub’s traditional look and making it more warm and welcoming.

All the charm of the building - such as the cosy snug and fireplaces - will be kept and enhanced.

With the Brews keen to put the pub on the map for skittles and start a team, the outdoor skittle alley will be renovated as well.

The project also includes a kitchen refit - enabling Cheryl and Paul to serve homemade pub classics like steak pies, lasagne and fish and chips.

Produce will be sourced from local suppliers wherever possible and the couple hope to take fruit and vegetables from village allotment holders in exchange for food and drink vouchers.

Cheryl, in hospitality along with Paul for more than 25 years, said: “The Spanker is a lovely old pub in a beautiful area but it’s tired and dated.

“We’ve had our eye on it for many years but it was never available with the refurbishment it needed.

“Covid has delayed the work but it has been a brilliant opportunity to get to know the village and we’re more certain than ever that taking The Spanker was the right decision.

“Residents were desperate to have their pub back - they’ve been incredibly welcoming and supported everything we’ve done. We can’t thank them enough.

“After such a brilliant four months it was heartbreaking to have to close in November and be unable to celebrate Christmas because of the Covid restrictions.

“We can’t wait to open the doors again.”

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