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Prince Rupert pub and new speakeasy The Woolpack, on Stodman Street, Newark, offers everything for a good night out




Going to new places to eat is always exciting, and although I’ve eaten at the Prince Rupert pub before, its makeover means it feels brand new to me.

The 15th century establishment, on Stodman Street, has not only undergone a makeover, but the upstairs area has now opened ‘The Woolpack’ speakeasy bar on Friday (October 18), paying homage to the pub’s earlier identity (read the full story on the Woolpack here).

On top of the new speakeasy, the Prince Rupert had also reopened the week before after undergoing a three-week-long refurbishment, with a new contemporary look but still embracing all of the building’s medieval nooks and crannies.

New speakeasy room in Prince Rupert pub.
New speakeasy room in Prince Rupert pub.

Alongside the real ales and drinks choices already loved by locals, a bigger, bolder range of spirits, ciders and craft beers are now also available, and the new food menu will continue to celebrate and showcase pub classics, as well as brand new pizza options.

On the night of the grand opening of the speakeasy, I was invited to sample the new menu at the Prince Rupert, and the new ambience and drinks upstairs in the Woolpack.

From the minute I walked through the door, the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming and accommodating, showing me to my table in the newly-redecorated front room and taking my drink order.

My margarita pizza at the Prince Rupert.
My margarita pizza at the Prince Rupert.

As a lover of pizza in general, I had to give the margarita pizza off the new menu a try and I wasn’t disappointed — it was absolutely delicious and the basil leaves on top were a lovely addition.

Other people’s dishes around me, such as the Thai curry and half chicken, also looked delicious, and I can’t wait to return to the Prince Rupert to try out the rest of the menu.

Being a chocoholic, I couldn’t resist the chocolate brownie and I was pleasantly surprised to see apple crumble on the dessert menu as not many places offer that. Was it good? Oh my goodness yes! Extremely filling though and I sadly couldn’t finish it, but it was absolutely delicious.

Chocolate brownie at the Prince Rupert.
Chocolate brownie at the Prince Rupert.

After food, it was upstairs to check out the new Woolpack speakeasy, and their cocktail menu. As I was driving, I could only have one so I had to choose correctly, so opted for the Clover Club — Tanqueray gin, Chambord, lemon juice, and raspberry syrup, and topped with raspberry powder.

Gin and raspberries = two of my favourite combinations and it was delicious, and slipped down a treat. The perfect way to round off my lovely night at the Rupert.

You could absolutely spend all night here — a nice meal downstairs in the Prince Rupert with a few drinks to get the night going, then head upstairs to the bar area for cocktails — and I definitely recommend that you do!

A huge shout out must go to the staff who couldn’t have been more accommodating during my visit, so thank you to manager Sam, and team members Andy and Sophie. I’ll absolutely be back!

My Clover Club cocktail.
My Clover Club cocktail.

Out of five:

Food: The menu offers plenty of choice, and the new additions even more so. My pizza was fantastic — lot of the time, pizzas can either have too thin bases which make the pizza itself sloppy, or too thick which makes it too claggy. My pizza was just right, and was plenty big enough as well — Goldilocks was happy! *****

Drink: The drinks list was enormous with plenty of choice, and the cocktails upstairs in the Woolpack offer even more variety. Many places like *****

Decor: I absolutely LOVE the new decor in the Rupert. I love ‘olde worlde’ vibes and all of the exposed beams, medieval nooks and crannies, and low ceilings have still been embraced, but the newly-decorated rooms look fresh and cosy to give it a ‘best of both worlds’ feel. *****

Staff: From the minute I walked through the door, the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming and accommodating, and if I was allowed to give more than five stars, I would! *****

Price: . ****



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