The manager of The Chiltern, Wetherspoon’s latest Bucks pub, is expecting an ‘extremely busy’ day as the venue is set to open its doors for the first time tomorrow, January 13.
Sam Garvey was previously the pub manager at J.J. Moon’s in Ruislip and has described the new opening as ‘the pinnacle challenge’ and a major aspiration for him professionally.
The company has spent £3.4 million developing the pub in Station Road, Beaconsfield, in a former Prezzo restaurant.
First look at The Chiltern (Image: NQ)
First look at The Chiltern (Image: NQ)
Sam said: “I suppose, one thing we’re very good at, the company, is taking these older buildings that are sat on high streets, kind of gathering dust and transforming them.
“One of the other exciting things is that it’s not just another pub, there’s a lot of features that have been kept, like the archway of the old picture house and a lot of the artwork being focused on film and TV, which is obviously what this building’s heritage was.
“So it feels a bit of an honour, really, to bring back a listed building.”
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Historical photos and details of local history, as well as artwork and images of local scenes, are displayed in the pub which was once a 500 seater cinema.
First look at The Chiltern (Image: NQ)
First look at The Chiltern (Image: NQ)
The manager described his expectations for the new opening.
He said that he is excited to see the local reaction and knows that there has been a mixed reception to the idea of having a large-capacity Wetherspoons in Beaconsfield New Town.
The pub can fit 370 people.
First look at The CHiltern (Image: NQ)
Sam said: “I think the local businesses are excited for the additional football that it’s going to bring to the town.
“Looking around, this part of the New Town is crying out for a large, family-friendly sort of menu at affordable prices that local families can use.”
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He is also expecting custom from students at the film school, as well as people travelling in from High Wycombe.
Despite January being a difficult month for hospitality generally, the manager is expecting to be kept busy for the next few weeks.
He added: “We’re really happy to be here and we’re certainly not here to drive anyone else away.
“For us, we want to bring back a thriving trade to Beaconsfield, particularly with the other hospitality businesses, and work with the local community.
“I’ve come from a pub that is extremely community-led, and I’m looking to emanate that here.”
The Chiltern pub will be open from 8am until midnight Sunday to Thursday and 8am until 1am on Friday and Saturday.
Food will be served from opening until 11pm every day.
