Historic Barton Under Needwood Pub Set For Refurbishment In Time For Christmas

A historic Barton-under-Needwood pub is set for a £250,000 revamp in time for the festive season that will help it thrive for the long term.

The overhaul of The Middle Bell on Main Street – which is believed to date back to the late 1700s – is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and new licensee, Lichfield born-and-bred Terri Phillips. The pub will close after last orders on the 25th October and is expected to reopen in early December, decorated and ready for Christmas.

Terri took over The Middle Bell in February this year when it was tired and little-used, having lacked a permanent operator for more than six years and had two periods of closure. Since then she has worked tirelessly to reestablish it as a great local, ending residents’ concerns for its future and creating 15 new jobs. Changes have included introducing home-cooked food, starting up new activities like quiz and music nights and supporting village events and good causes. The investment will upgrade The Middle Bell to reflect all it now offers, taking it to the next level as a great quality village pub and developing one of the biggest and best beer gardens in the area as well as a new dining room. 

The overhaul will carefully renovate the outside of The Middle Bell and repaint it a classic cream, enhancing the centre of Barton-under-Needwood. The signs and lighting will be replaced, and there will be smart new seating for 40 people with planters around it at the front of the pub. In addition, the works will develop an extended 70-seater alfresco dining and drinking patio at the rear that also provides space for outdoor events. This will have new furniture, festoon lighting and covers for year-round use. 

A sympathetic interior revamp will preserve The Middle Bell’s character and charm, whilst adding contemporary touches and making it more warm and welcoming. The new décor will incorporate heritage colours, decorative wallpaper and deep button- back banquette seating and retain features such as the wood beams, timber floors, cosy snug and open fires. Pictures of the pub and the village through time will adorn the walls. In a nod to The Middle Bell’s name, the old bell wheels from nearby St James’ Church have been acquired and will have pride of place. 

With The Middle Bell gaining a reputation for fantastic food, the pub’s disused conservatory will be converted into a beautiful new dining area. Meanwhile, the pub’s spacious bar will be kitted out with a brand new bar, darts board and screens for watching sports. 

Terri has lots of plans for further improvements to complement the pub’s new look. On the cards are cocktails, afternoon teas, barista-quality coffee and more events, including ale and music festivals.

An experienced licensee, Terri was searching for a new pub when she came across The Middle Bell. Says Terri: “I’d looked at lots of different pubs but fell in love with The Middle Bell and the village. I’m very grateful for all the support we’ve had from residents to get it back on its feet. The Middle Bell is their pub, and the revamp is my way of thanking them. We want it to be a hub for the community that local people and good causes can use for their own activities, as well as a great place to eat, drink and meet up.”

Adds Star Pubs’ investment manager for Staffordshire, Craig Foweather: “Terri has done a fantastic job and given The Middle Bell the TLC and new lease of life it was crying out for.  We’re delighted to be backing her with this investment. It will turn The Middle Bell into a beautiful premium local pub for all the community to enjoy. We’re working flat out to reopen for the festive season.”