Major Refurbishment Will See Royston Town Centre Pub Open as the King James

A Royston pub is to open as The King James in early June following a major £210,000 upgrade by Heineken owned Star Pubs & Bar’s1 and new licensee Vamsi Putta and his business partner, Prash Nellutla. Eight new jobs are being created at the prominent town centre pub, formerly The Coach & Horses, which has been closed for over three years.  

The plan for The King James is to create a top quality local, introducing food for the first time, regular quizzes, beer and gin festivals as well as solo live acoustic entertainment.

The investment will increase internal covers from 32 to 51 in a snug and main bar layout.  The snug will be redecorated in blues and grey with new carpet and have a real fire with armchairs as well as table seating.  The bar will have new carpets, feature wallpaper, refurbished bar with high stools as well as traditional wooden tables and chairs and leather button back fixed seating.  

Outside is being completely transformed with a painted pergola, pendant and festoon lighting and planters and wall mounted plants in cans.  It will feature an eclectic mix of outdoor furniture including cushion covered pallet and metal barrel stools and café style cushioned seats.  Seating will increase from 13 to 24. 

Drinks will include two cask ales, craft ales and premium spirits.   The menu will feature gourmet burgers, made from premium quality meat sourced from the local butcher, as well as top quality home-made snacks. 

Vamsi Putta also runs The Brook in Cambridge which he transformed from a drinkers pub to a popular traditional family pub.

Says Vamsi: “We decided to rename the pub The King James to reflect the change of offer while celebrating King James’s connection with Royston. 

“The King James was just what Prash and I were looking for - a traditional pub in a great location with potential to improve. We are keen to establish a reputation for gourmet burgers and live acoustic music and are looking forward to opening the doors in June and welcoming customers to their new local.”

Says Star Pubs & Bars Business Development Manager, Dan Hayward: “With Royston already having more food and sports led pubs, there’s room for a traditional local offering great drinks and simple good pub food with excellent service.  Vamsi’s the ideal person to take it forward as he already runs a popular traditional pub in Cambridge and knows the area well.  We’re delighted to be supporting him and Prash in their vision for The King James and reopening a closed pub for the community.”