Pub Customers Like To Be Beside The Seaside
Posted on 31st August 2010
Yet a newly refurbished city centre venue is offering just this – and plenty more besides – all from the convenience of its rear courtyard.
The Marquis Wellington on London Road has undergone an £80,000 makeover courtesy of Everards and new tenant Ever So Sensible Group.
The illusion of a tropical beach scene is achieved by the clever placement of artwork across four bricked up windows, although the heated beach huts are very much the real deal and can even be hired out for private functions.
Manager Tom Lawton said: “When we first arrived there were just four sets of tables and chairs outside and the space was massively underutilised. The beach theme was just our way of injecting a bit of fun into the pub, while the addition of the huts greatly increases our trading space.
“We are currently running a competition for customers to name them and then later in the year we plan to change the window artwork for something like a winter wonderland scene.”
For all their quirky touches, Everards and the team from Ever So Sensible were determined that the Marquis retains its function as a traditional ale house. During the refurbishment they restored a number of period features including fireplaces and the pub’s original coving. The decor includes slate and hardwood flooring along with wooden and leather furniture.
On the bar The Marquis has six handpulls showcasing the complete range of Everards’ locally brewed ales, plus a deli selection offering tasty bar snacks such as homemade scotch eggs, quiches and cured meats served with freshly baked bread.
Tom said: “The pub’s offer has changed quite a few times over recent years, including a spell as something that looked more like a wine bar. A number of longstanding regulars said that had put them off coming altogether, but after hearing about the work we have done they have decided to take another look.
“We hope the balance between traditional but with a few modern twists is about right to suit most tastes.”
Tom and his colleagues are planning an official launch event over the coming weeks where they will announce the winning names for their new beach huts. Customers will also be able to look forward to Sunday roasts which will be available to enjoy from the 5th of September, The ‘Marquiz’ quiz night every Monday and regular acoustic music nights.
The pub is also exhibiting works from local artists on its walls and plans to establish links with Leicester’s universities to provide space for art students.
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