Tradition is key to success for Gloucester pub
A HISTORIC pub in Gloucester is going back to its roots under new management after a string of owners.
The New Inn in Northgate Street has just been taken over by Mark and Samantha Cooke but they say they are here to stay.
Mark, 35, said: "We previously ran a restaurant in Milton Keynes but we moved to Gloucester on February 1 to take over.
"We saw The New Inn and just fell in love with it and the city, we just loved the whole place.
"I know that quite a few managers have come and gone here but we plan on being here for the long haul."
The 14th-century building, described as the finest example of a medieval gallery in Britain, has had a number of short-term owners over the past few years.
But Mark said he thought the key to its success would be going back to its traditional roots.
The father of Michael, 10, Declan, nine, and Ellie, eight, said: "We are bringing The New Inn back to what it was 20 years ago with the best of British food and the best British ales. We are an inn and that is what we are going to do here.
Traditional
"We are going back to tradition and The New Inn will be back to The New Inn as it used to be."
The 34-bedroom hotel and restaurant has a team of 12 employees who will be on hand to help visitors. Mark added: "Everybody should come in and have a look for themselves.
"People in Gloucester have been here for everything like birthdays and weddings over the years and we want them to come back again. We would love for them to come back."
Councillor Paul James, leader of Gloucester City Council, said he hoped business at The New Inn would be booming again.
He said: "The New Inn is one of the historical gems of the city and it has a large amount of potential.
"I don't think we have made the most of it in the past with managers that have come and gone and so I am pleased we have got someone who is keen to make a real go of it, build on its features and bring it back to an important part of city life again."
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by Kate, Cheltenham
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 9:12PM
“I would like to echo Lyn's comment as I have met Mark and Sam as well and they are smashing. We are having our UK wedding party there (getting married abroad) and they have gone to so much trouble to make it special for us. The new chef has also been a star and has created a wonderful new menu of food for our party. I cannot comment on the cleanliness of the rooms but am positive that Mark and Sam will do everything possible to turn this wonderful old place around.”
by Mark Cooke, Gloucester
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 8:31PM
“Hi folks,
Sam and I would truely like to thank you for all feedback, (good and bad).
We know we have taken on a mammoth task with cleanliness, good food and great ales our main priorities.
In our first five weeks we have reinstated the lunch time carvery served seven days a week and priced at a competitive price of £4.95.
We also go live with our new evening menu in the last week in March, bringing the best of British produce from local suppliers.
We really enjoy Gloucester and are proud to run The New Inn.
Pop in sometime, we always have time for a tea and chat.
Mark.”
by LYN CINDEREY, GLOUCESTER
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 5:35PM
“I Have met Mark and Samantha They are a lovely Couple and Truely mean BUSINESS . I Would like to say all the very best to you both and as you know will be working with you to Help you Achieve your Aims for this Historic INN.
Events and All sorts of Activities are Being planned as You Read this. Watch this space as they say.”
by Kath, Chelt
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 4:06PM
“@ Cheltenham Snobbery!!!, Gloucester - What is this trouble you speak of in Charlton Kings? The reason I ask is that the strange thing is, I live there and have heard of no trouble whatsoever?!?!”
by maz, gloucester
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 3:16PM
“The New Inn has become really run down; the bedrooms are poor and not clean. we had relatives stay there recently and they walked out. we hope the new people will have cleaniliness on the top of their list along with good staff who look the part. we used to use it all the time and it was the place to go when it had the Berni Inn there - but sadly with poor management and poor quality staff the place went to pot. hope the new people can turn it around - needs a lot of momey spent on it.”
by Ray, Glos.
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 3:06PM
“The New Inn used to be the best pub in town by far. Recently it has been a 'no go' for mose Gloucester drinkers, and I understand from a disapionted reletive who stay there for a week that the rooms were not up yp much.
Good luck with the revamp - it needs one badly, but I'll be there as a customer for sure if it works out.”
by Bob, Cheltenham
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 3:05PM
“I ate at the New Inn recently and wasn't impressed. I hope the new owners manage to change it around as it has the potential to be a great successful. Good luck.”
by Cheltenham Snobbery!!!, Gloucester
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 12:52PM
“Dave - The contents of your head must be nothing more than that of your surname - A SPUD! You clearly dont have a brain. Why do fools like you always try to run a town down thats trying only to improve itself. Anyways Glaws is a much safer place than the violence your likely to endure on a friday night in cheltenham - especially round the problematic charlton kings region i hear!”
by Dave Spud, Cheltenham
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 12:44PM
“urgh Gloucester.”
by Simon, Gloucester
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 12:31PM
“The very best of luck. This is what Gloucester needs - a bit more pride an positivity in what we have here in the city and how we can make the most of it.”