Tewkesbury restaurant plan will create 40 jobs
A COUPLE said they will create up to 40 jobs in Tewkesbury by turning the King John's Tavern into a family restaurant.
The pub, which has a chequered history, has been shut since May 2008 when owner Enterprise Inns put it up for sale.
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King John's Tavern
Nothing happened at the Mythe Road site until July of this year, when two brothers from Pembroke in west Wales, Viren and Vikram Moholkar, bought it.
They have been refurbishing the venue since and have agreed to lease it to Wendy and Mike Wakeman. The couple plan to run the place but under a new name, which they want Tewkesbury people to help them come up with.
They intend to invest £130,000 of their own money on the business, on top of that which the brothers are spending on renovating the run-down building.
Wendy said the aim is to completely change the whole ethos of the business, from being a drinking pub that has attracted mostly young people, to one where families can go along and enjoy a meal.
She and her husband, who have four children, will continue to run the Gardeners Arms at Alderton, near Tewkesbury.
Wendy said: "We're looking to change the concept and we want people to help us re-name it. We understand the King John's Tavern has had a very bad reputation.
"It will definitely be a family-themed restaurant. The main thing will be a carvery and grill.
"We've got to the stage where the Gardeners Arms is doing so well now, we feel it's the right time to start experimenting."
She said there is still a lot of work to be done to the building, and planning permission will be required for new signs and an extraction unit, but she hopes the restaurant will open in mid or late January.
Noise and anti-social behaviour at the pub has led to residents' complaints in the past.
Wendy admitted a bar may be opened in the basement of the building, but said it would only be in the summer and she did not feel this would cause problems.
She is inviting people to enter a competition to name the restaurant. Suggestions should be emailed to gardeners1@ btconnect.com by the first week in December. The winner will get a free meal for four.
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by Jane Drew, west wales
Thursday, March 18 2010, 4:22PM
“Bring back the WINKING FROG
where binge drinking , partying, having a good time was the order of the day. Where is lloyds sunday night disco now?”
by Stephanie, Tewkesbury
Monday, February 15 2010, 1:31PM
“its a brilliant idea. it wont attract bad individuals because its a FAMILY restaurant. people need to realise that its an eyesore the way it is. good luck wendy and mike :D”
by Blanche, Tewkesbury
Tuesday, January 19 2010, 9:12PM
“"40 jobs yer having a laugh its slave labour working in them place.s for brainless unwanted people yer won't find me working their no way" - M Barber, Prince of Wales, Cheltenham
Brainless, he says - just look at the diction and spelling and punctuation - now whose calling who 'brainless' - Good Luck Wendy & Mike - but do be careful you don't over stretch yourselves with 4 children, a pub to run and now this new venture. I am sure you can do it but do get some reliable staff so you can get a day off!!”
by gary, cheltenham
Wednesday, December 02 2009, 4:19PM
“Why are people so self centered and negative. At least the building will be being used not to mention the jobs and income to the local economy! fair play to them and goog luck”
by happy, tewksbury
Sunday, November 22 2009, 7:29PM
“to near neighbour at the bottom the tavern was built long before your flood dwellings down by the river if you dont like the noise which i cant believe you can hear as you are all old n deaf anyway MOVE”