Major Refurbishment to Reopen Prominent Rugeley Pub After Two-and-a-Half Year Closure

Work is set to start on a £190,000 revamp that will reopen a much-loved Rugeley pub, which has been closed since August 2020, bringing to an end concerns for its future. 

The investment at The Vaults on Market Street is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars. It will see Rugeley born-and-bred Amanda Frisby – a former customer whose family have been regulars for 80 years – take the helm as the new operator. Amanda’s husband Grahame will be a key part of the team, too. 

The project will upgrade the tired local into a great quality pub that meets the needs of shoppers, workers and visitors to the town as well as Rugeley residents of all ages. To reflect its new direction, the pub will be renamed The Cabin, its former name of many years ago.

Work starts on 13th February and The Cabin is scheduled to reopen in mid March creating five new jobs. 

The project will completely overhaul the pub’s exterior and renovate its distinctive café-style windows. New paintwork, signage and lighting, as well as outside seating for 24, will give The Cabin a smart new look that enhances the centre of Rugeley. 

The internal makeover will completely upgrade the pub throughout, making it more contemporary, warm and welcoming. The bright new decor will incorporate wood paneling, leather-covered seating and stylish lighting. The redesign will retain the traditional bar area and add a new sports zone kitted out with pool, darts and big screens showing BT and Sky Sports. Pictures of The Cabin and Rugeley through the ages will adorn the walls. Other improvements include the installation of state-of-the-art dispense equipment in the cellar to ensure consistently perfect pints and an extensive drinks selection featuring cocktails. 

Amanda aims to put The Cabin on the map for its sports and entertainment. To that end, she is starting up pool and darts teams. With the pub licensed to open until 2am on Thursday to Saturday, there will also be a regular programme of activities, such as quizzes, discos, karaoke and live music. Explains Amanda: “People need a great pub more than ever when times are tough. We want to spread some positivity by providing a traditional local where people can get together, share happy times and enjoy an affordable night out with some good entertainment.”

“Taking over The Vaults is a dream come true. It was my granddad’s favourite pub back in the 1940s and my family have been regulars ever since. My mum played darts here, and my cousins were in the pool team. It’s always had a lovely, friendly atmosphere and a loyal following. I’ve worked in pubs for 25 years and pinned my hopes on getting The Vaults one day. The pub looks unloved now but will be amazing once the work is done.  It’s been much missed over the past two-and-a-half years. People are really excited about it reopening and are backing us all the way. We’re very grateful for the support and can’t wait to open the doors.”

Comments Mike Smith, Star Pubs & Bars’ investment manager: “We’re delighted to be investing in bringing such a high-profile pub back to life. The refurbishment will help The Cabin thrive for the long term as a great quality local in the heart of Rugeley. Amanda has a fantastic knowledge of the community and understands just what residents want. Her exciting plans will give people plenty of reasons to visit.”

The Vaults building is thought to date back to the late 1920s or early 1930s. It is believed to have originally been a shop called J. Burrnell & Sons Ltd prior to becoming a pub called The Vaults. It was then named The Cabin for many years before being called The Vaults again in more recent times.