The Reddington Pub Company re-open renovated pub The Anchor, Gunthorpe, with Michelin Bib Gourmand chef and family entertainment
A newly refurbished pub has re-opened it’s doors after sixteen years, and is set for a bumper week of half-term fun.
The Anchor, Gunthorpe, is the latest venue in the arsenal for Sean Reddington’s The Reddington Pub Company, which operates the popular The Old Vol, Caythorpe; The Reindeer, Hoveringham; and Tom Browns, Gunthorpe.
With a miniature ride-on railway, a Michelin Star Bib Gourmand chef in the kitchen, family entertainment, Sky Sports, guest bedrooms, and a daytime café — The Anchor promises a bit of something for everyone.
The newly refurbished ‘cosy and stylish’ pub officially opened its doors on Main Street two weeks ago, after 16 years of dormancy, to become a vibrant family-friendly hub in the Nottinghamshire countryside.
General manager Ben Robinson said: “It stood empty for a long time, it was a bit of an eyesore really to the village — so when the plans were put in to improve the building people were very happy with it.
“It was literally falling down in parts — so it’s a big turnaround.”
The pub’s menu is designed by Michelin Star Bib Gourmand Chef Andy Goodbourn — who previously headed up The Reindeer — who is well-known for putting his own stamp on pub classics with a modern twist.
For those feeling peckish earlier in the day and dog walkers who fancy a stop-off along a walk down the River Trent, Spouges café will serve brunch and coffee to enjoy on site or takeaway from 8am to 1pm each day.
“Inside the pub is really nicely laid out, then we’ve also got stuff for families to come down and do,” Ben added.
“We’ve got a massive field out the back — there’s bats and balls, kids running around burning energy, that kind of thing — then we’ve got the caff as well, that’s been extremely popular it’s taken off really well.
“We’ve had good feedback, people have been really liking the pub. We’ve got Sky Sports in there, interactive darts, the outside bar, a massive courtyard.
“It kind of ticks boxes for everyone.”
The real stand-out feature of the pub is The Anchor Express, an 18-seater model train. The free guest attraction runs on the hour from midday on weekend for a journey taking in the beautiful countryside scenery in Gunthorpe.
Ben added: “We always try and be slightly different, have a unique pulling point to each site. The train is something Sean Reddington came up with.
“It’s just so popular, people come down just to see the train and see it go around.
“It’s definitely different, I don’t think many pubs have that kind of thing.”
A hit with the venue’s younger guests, it is not all that’s on offer for families — with a range of fun events planned for the upcoming May half-term.
This includes a visit from Spider Man tomorrow (May 24) as par of the Spring Bank Holiday entertainment from 2pm to 5pm, alongside a bubble artist, games, dancing and crafts.
Then, on Wednesday, May 28, a character lunch will take place from 12pm to 2pm, featuring Belle and Spider Man; and on Saturday, May 31, a Toy Story fun day including cowboy lessons and ribbon dancing from 2pm to 4pm.
