Keyworth Salutation: Popular Nottinghamshire pub to reopen after £275,000 refurbishment with tapas fusion menu

A Nottinghamshire village pub is set to undergo a major refurbishment almost 11 months after it closed.

The Salutation on Main Street in Keyworth shut in October last year but will now undergo a £275,000 revamp to bring it back into use.

Owners Star Pubs & Bars, who are also behind The Windmill on Nottingham Road, said Keyworth residents Tracy Karas and Paul Keeling will take over as new licensees.

Mr Keeling and Ms Karas said they want to return the Salutation to the “popular hub” that Paul remembers from his childhood in the 1970s.

“Back then the Salutation was the busiest pub in Keyworth,” Mr Keeling said. “My parents were regulars and I spent many evenings there after matches with my Keyworth Cricket Club teammates or with friends.

“It’s been terribly sad to see the Salutation shut up. It’s a beautiful old building in a prominent location and people are desperate for it to open again.”

Mr Keeling said he “fell in love” with the venue when he went to visit and “wouldn’t have taken any other pub”.

He added: “Our aim is to make the Salutation a warm inviting place for the whole community, whether they want to enjoy socialising over drinks or a nice meal.”

Building work at the historic inn, which is believed to be Keyworth’s oldest pub and dates back to the 17th Century, will begin on August 14 and later reopen in September, creating 10 new jobs.

The refurbishment will include a complete renovation of the exterior, a fresh coat of paint, and new lights and signage.

The pub’s beer garden will also undergo a revamp with an extended patio, new seating and planting. A wooden pergola will also be installed with lighting and heating.

Inside, the Salutation will be completely refurbished to a high standard with the design incorporating heritage colours, velvet upholstery and floral fabrics.

Original features will be retained and restored, including wooden beams, timber floors, panelling and the open fire.

A revised layout will also increase the number of seats from 68 to 100, whilst new doors will bring light in and open the pub directly onto the patio.

The kitchen will be upgraded to allow the pub to serve tapas-style fusion food as small plates for sharing or as mains.

A barista coffee machine, premium wines, spirits, cask ales and craft beers will be available, and an afternoon tea service with homemade cakes will be introduced.

Ms Karas, who most recently managed Stanton-on-the-Wolds Golf Club alongside Mr Keeling, said: “The Salutation will look stunning. We can’t wait to open the doors.”

The pair, who want to create a “family-friendly atmosphere where dogs are welcome”, are keen to uncover more about the pub’s past and are appealing for anyone with information or historic photos to get in touch.

Mike Smith, Star Pubs & Bars’ investment manager, said: “Paul and Tracy have a fantastic knowledge of Keyworth and understand just what people want.

“They are passionate about creating a fantastic pub for the village. We’re excited to be working with them to help the Salutation thrive again.”