Inn refurbishment
The Flower Pots Inn, or The “Pots”, as it’s affectionately known as by the regulars, is a traditional Hampshire country Inn. With an onsite brewery that produces award-winning cask ales and beers, we are all about a good quality drink!
Since we are a drinks-driven/wet-led establishment, quite old-school in the way we operate, our loyal customers are quite attached to the way the pub looks and feels. This is why the pub refurbishment was something we had to plan carefully, without changing the character of the place. We also knew quite a few parts of the old building needed to be renovated.
Evolution, not revolution
As we mentioned earlier, our traditional way of running the pub is what we are. People come to us for that authentic ambience as well as our traditional home-brewed ales and beer. This is why the pub renovation had to be focused on evolution, not revolution. We did not want our loyal customers to feel like they were in unfamiliar surroundings all of a sudden.
However, as an old coaching Inn that has been on site since the mid 1800's and with various fundamental changes over the years hence, we felt the old place needed a sensitive update and that went for our branding too!
Lockdown refurbishments
Whilst the Inn refurbishments were something we needed to get done, we had not been able to find the right time for it. It would mean closing down parts of the public bars, which would have inconvenienced customers.
This changed with the Covid-19 lockdown. Since the Inn was shut as per Government guidelines, it seemed like the perfect time to get pub renovations done.
Also, with the threat of the pandemic, we needed to ensure that our customers could stay safe when the lockdown finally ended. This meant making sure there was enough space for social distancing as well as outdoor seating for those who did not feel comfortable to be in an enclosed space with others.
Renovation successes
As part of the pub renovation, we obtained Listed Building Consent which allowed us to increase the inside seating space so customers could sit indoors without being too close to each other. We converted the old kitchen into a new third bar, much to the interest of our regulars, and the old office/children's room has become a comfortable additional saloon. We even found the old fireplace and original floorboards!
Previously, our lavatories were shared by our staff and customers, so in order to keep them safe, we are investing in more facilities. In addition, we have completely rewired all of our buildings and had our cellar replumbed. This helped modernise the building, making us better able to serve our customers.
We also have around four acres of land around the “Pots”, so we decided to utilise it. The Paddock has been a big success! We also invested in more garden furniture, so customers can sit and enjoy the breath-taking view of the South Downs.
As the aim of this refurbishment was to make The “Pots” safer and more comfortable for our customers, we would love to hear what you think of it. Send us an email or speak to us when you visit!
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