Keyworth’s The Pear Tree pub shuts for £300,000 refurbishment – and will reopen with new name and beer garden

A Nottinghamshire village pub has closed as work begins on a £307,000 refurbishment.

The Pear Tree, on Nottingham Road in Keyworth, shut on June 18 to allow a complete interior and exterior revamp of the “tired-looking” pub.

Owners Star Pubs & Bars said the venue will be renamed The Windmill – a nod to the symbol of Keyworth, which used to have a windmill on Selby Lane until it was demolished in the 1950s.

Craig Nevins, Star Pubs & Bars’ area manager, said: “The timing of the refurbishment means that The Windmill can play a part in bringing together existing and new Keyworth residents. 

“It will be a top-quality community local, a place for all to enjoy.”

More space will be created by moving seating arrangements and a feature back bar will be installed. The interior will be redecorated to provide a “brighter and smarter look” as well as softer seating for casual drinking and dining, seating booths and new high and mid-level tables and stools in the sports bar.

The exterior is being given a complete makeover and will be repainted in a “smart” dark grey, offset by terracotta panelling and new signage and lighting.

In May, Rushcliffe Borough Council approved plans for two six-by-six-metre covered pergolas in the rear beer garden. New festoon lighting will be installed over the patio and new seating areas created with tables, chairs and an all-weather heater.

A new commercial kitchen is also being installed to allow the venue to offer pub classics, a children’s menu, as well as vegan, vegetarian and sharing platter dishes.

Premium beers will be on offer, including Beavertown, Brixton beers, Heineken and a selection of craft ales, draught cider, top-quality wines and spirits and some cocktails.

The Windmill will reopen in mid-July under the leadership of experienced pub operator John Carroll and his son Graham, who will introduce food and barista-style coffee for the first time and create nine new jobs.

Mr Carroll said: “Graham and I are keen to get to know residents and find out what they would like The Windmill to offer. 

“We love pubs and want The Windmill to play a central role at the heart of the community. 

“We plan to host regular quizzes and live entertainment, giving people reasons to come out, socialise and have a good time.  

“We’re very much looking forward to opening the doors in July and welcoming customers to their new local.”

It leaves the village temporarily with just one remaining pub, the Keyworth Tavern, since the Salutation on Main Street closed earlier this year in the search for new tenants.

Keyworth’s pop-up Saturday market, which previously took place in The Pear Tree’s car park, will now operate at Keyworth Tavern on Fairway from June 24.