The Grey Walls in Windermere set for major refurbishment

The Grey Walls at Windermere is earmarked for a £750,000 investment to reopen it after a two-year closure.

Heineken-owned Star Pubs and Bars intends to completely overhaul The Grey Walls on Elleray Road and is on the hunt for a new licensee.

The extensive plans will transform the ‘tired’ premises into a ‘premium local’ with a reputation for great food and ales and all-day coffee.

It will also have 10 ensuite letting bedrooms and a newly refurbished two-bedroom manager’s flat alongside staff accommodation and parking.

The hotel has been closed for two years

The proposed works would involve a top-to-toe redecoration of the pub giving it a more modern country look and creating seating for over 200.

Inside, upgrades will include new lighting, flagstones and hand sawn wide timber floorboards, a new bar with overhead gantry, retro style leather armchairs and rustic wooden tables and chairs. An open through fire with wood burner will demark the pub’s two trading areas.

Outside, the pub façade will be redecorated in more contemporary black and grey colours with new signage and lighting.

The front of the pub will also benefit from a new alfresco café style eating and dining area. The large beer garden at the rear of the pub will also be upgraded with new timber furniture and planting and festoon lighting adding to the ambience.

Other changes will include a new commercial kitchen and upgrade of the customer toilets, a new hotel reception area, renovation of the cellar and installation of the latest dispense technology which improves the quality and consistency of draft beer and cider.

The Smart Dispense System’s cooling technology and line insulation from keg to tap is 20 per cent more energy efficient than standard systems.

Star Pubs and Bars area manager, Rick Rose-Coulthard, said: “The Grey Walls is in a fabulous location in the centre of beautiful Windermere in the Lake District National Park, one of the UK’s leading tourist destinations. It is situated just 200 meters from Windermere train station, so is ideal both for local and tourist trade. Unlike many other hospitality venues in the area, it also has parking and staff accommodation.

“There is a great opportunity for the right operator to capitalise on the current lack of premium, destination food-led pubs in the area. They will need to have run a good food pub before and preferably have hotel experience. The layout of the pub will also allow the new operators to hold functions and events. Anyone interested in finding out more about leasing The Grey Wall can see further details at starpubs.co.uk or call 08085 94 95 96.”