A POPULAR pub which faced an uncertain future is set for a massive overhaul after being taken over by Flying Trade Group.
The future of The Bricklayers, in Bergholt Road, Colchester, was thrown into uncertainty in July 2017 when its long-standing landlords opted not to renew the lease on the Adnams Brewery-owned pub.
But the once buzzing pub is now looking forward to a new lease of life under the ownership of Flying Trade Group who have plans to renovate the site.
Specialist real ales and guest ales, as well as “hearty traditional food”, will be at the heart of Flying Trade’s plans as it sets about turning the pub’s fortunes around.
Bricklayers will now close for a few weeks as cleaning and refurbishment work is carried out and is set to re-open its doors to the public on Friday, January 26, at 6pm.
Suki Dulai, chief executive officer of Flying Trade Group, said “We are delighted to bring The Bricklayers Arms into our portfolio and support yet another great local business which has big potential.
“Our aim is to offer fantastic food and specialist real ale along with ever changing guest beers to give our customers real choice.”
Flying Trade Group has its headquarters in Harwich and is the parent company behind Surya Hotels, Surya Foods and Flying Trade Leisure.
The company’s Flying Trade Leisure division has several interests in the Essex area, owning the popular seaside venues Tom Peppers, The Cellar and The Loft in Clacton. It also recently invested thousands of pounds in a central Colchester Coffee House/Archaeological Exhibit – Claudius Gateway Museum. Built around significant archaeological ruins, including remnants of the ancient Roman Temple of Claudius, all proceeds generated from the tourist attraction are ploughed into good causes through Flying Trade Group’s company charity World Food Aid.
Surya Hotels runs The George Hotel on Colchester High Street, which has just received a green light for a major £10m refurbishment; several Dragonfly Hotel sites, including the Colchester Dragonfly; Great Hallingbury Manor, near Stansted, and the Kingscliff Hotel in Holland On Sea Essex, as well as hotels in Norfolk and Suffolk.
Its food division, Surya Foods, is behind leading leading basmati rice brand Laila which features in the UK’s top three rice brands. (Nielsen 2017)