Star Pubs is reopening The Engine House in Exeter following a £542,000 refurbishment, its biggest Just Add Talent pub investment of 2026.
The city-centre pub has been closed for two years and was previously operated as a leased and tenanted venue under the name The Angel.
It has been renamed The Engine House to reflect its new direction and location close to Exeter Central Station.
The project is one of 26 major Just Add Talent refurbishments completed by Star Pubs so far this year and will see the property reopen as a wet-led venue.
Star said half of the new JAT sites it has introduced during 2026 have been wet-only.
The refurbishment has included a complete external redecoration alongside extensive changes to the interior of the building, which dates from the 1870s.
The new layout incorporates a public bar, lounge and snug, alongside exposed brickwork, new furniture, artwork and murals.
A new sound system and drop-down tables have also been introduced to allow the pub to accommodate live music and late-night events.
The drinks offer will include premium lagers, cocktails and low and no-alcohol options.
Greg Gearing, 28, will operate The Engine House on behalf of Star Pubs in his first position running a pub.
Gearing began working as a member of bar staff at a Just Add Talent pub in London three years ago before progressing through the company’s development programme.
Rob Clark, Head of Property at Star Pubs, said: “We’re delighted with the performance of our wet-led JAT conversions this year. Newly refurbished pubs are in high demand from would-be operators.
“The JAT model is a great way for first-time operators to get experience of running a pub. We’re keen on promoting people from within and have developed an Academy for those wishing to progress.
“It’s brilliant to see team members like Greg using our training to advance their careers and achieve their ambitions.”
Clark said Star’s refurbishment programme had covered a range of different pub formats during 2026, from estate pubs to historic inns.
He added: “Whilst we replicate proven design concepts to ensure the success of each business, every refurbishment is also tailored to the individual building.
“The Engine House is no exception – we’ve taken care to develop a modern pub that appeals to the younger late-night market but is sympathetic to the historic building and brings out its significant features.”
The Engine House will target a mix of daytime city-centre customers alongside evening and late-night trade when it reopens this week.
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