Brewing up pub revival

Newark’s late-night economy is set for major investment with the return of two town centre venues.

The former Ram Hotel, which has stood empty on Castlegate for almost a decade, is to be restored to its former glory.

It had been a successful hotel and restaurant in its heyday before being renamed Ye Olde Market and turned into a late-night pub.

It will return as The Ram.

Those behind the project are Newark businessman Mr Dan Derry, other members of the Derry family and Jane McCann, who runs The Atrium in Newark.

The Derry family is also involved in the re-opening of the nearby Crown and Mitre.

Mr Derry said a substantial amount of money was being spent on both projects.

“This will be a dramatic boost to the town’s night-time economy,” he said.

“Newark has a habit of re-inventing itself, quite unlike many other small towns who are seeing their pubs close and not return.”

Mr Derry said the new venues would help make Newark a more popular destination for visitors, including real ale enthusiasts.

“Newark has got a lot going for it with the castle, the Market Place and the river,” he said.

“I think the town is on the up and up. These pubs will have a knock-on effect for many other businesses.”

The plan is to transform The Ram into a top-of-the-range pub serving real ale and good food.

Mr Derry, a partner in the Newark Brewing Company, said it was sad to see the building in such a poor state.

“It is one of the premier landmarks as you come into Newark,” he said.

“Newark deserves pubs like this to be saved or they are gone forever.”

He plans to use local stock, including beers from his brewery.

Mr Derry said they hoped to open The Ram later this year, creating more than 20 jobs.

The Crown and Mitre, also on Castlegate, has been closed for several months.

Work there is well under way and it is hoped it will open by the end of this month.

It will be leased to Mr Tony Yale and his wife Heidi, and their friend and business partner Mr Andrew Muirhead. Eight jobs will be created.

The pub will be called The Flying Circus and will feature Monty Python, Red Baron and circus themes.

Mr and Mrs Yale were managers of The Castle pub in Newark for two years and then moved to The Prince Rupert on Stodman Street.

Mr Yale said: “This place is in a great location and a good size with room for growth.”

They plan to stock craft beer, an American-style beer dispensed chilled in kegs that is an alternative to lager and is already popular in London and the North of England.

There will be a wide selection of real ales.

The upstairs has been opened up with a mezzanine floor.

A first-floor function room is being refurbished that will open at weekends and will be used for live music and beer festivals.