The Riflemans Arms on Bridge Street, Belper has undergone a complete transformation – with the venue opening its doors once again on Saturday, April 13.
Martin Roper, who took on the venue, said his vision was to create a “contemporary version of a proper pub” – and that the response from customers so far has been overwhelmingly positive.
The Derbyshire Times were invited to see how the pub has changed since it was last open – and these 13 photos show customers what to expect from the refurbished Riflemans.
1. The Riflemans Arms
The Riflemans Arms in Belper is welcoming customers once again - after a significant refurbishment. Photo: Brian Eyre
2. Experienced new owner
Martin said: “I own the Devonshire, which is over the road - the Devonshire is 71 Bridge Street and the Riflemans is 72 Bridge Street - so you couldn’t get two pubs closer together really.” He also owns the Old Silk Mill and the Exeter Arms in Derby. Photo: Brian Eyre
3. Popularity of The Devonshire
The Riflemans Manager, Frazer Watts, is pictured here behind the bar. Martin said: “The Devonshire has very much become food-led. It’s a destination establishment with quality food. It’s still a pub, but it’s a pub that has got an increasingly good reputation for contemporary, cutting-edge British pub food. The drinkers were kind of losing out a bit, because it was constantly booked up - every table was taken up by people wanting to eat. From the minute we open at 12, there’s people coming in for lunch.” Photo: Brian Eyre
4. Plans for new venture to create “contemporary version of a proper pub”
Martin added: “I saw the Riflemans over the road - I think it was last trading at some point last year. I then noticed earlier that the pub was empty, which was sad - I hate to see pubs shut. It was privately owned, which was great, so it’s a free house. Quite quickly, I developed this idea of opening a proper pub - but my contemporary version of a proper pub.” Photo: Brian Eyre