Much Loved Local to Get New Look and New Name Under New Management

The Blacks Head on Burton Road in Carlton has closed for a £150,000 upgrade by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars¹.  It will reopen mid-November in time for the festive season with a new look, new landlady and a new name - The Beacon Hill. The new name is a nod to the town’s historic roots as a beacon signalling point in the 17th Century.

Six to ten new jobs are being created on the back of the investment.

The revamp will see the interior given a rustic quirky look, with grey-washed timber walls, original tiled flooring, decorative wallpaper and framed artwork. There will be a choice of seating areas - a lounge, a sports bar with TVs and a snug area - each with its own unique style, creating a vibrant atmosphere in which to socialise.

Outside, the pub is being given a complete facelift repainted in a striking white and grey with new lighting and signage.  The large walled beer garden will also see new picnic benches added, as well as a section of fixed seating for casual drinking.

A Smart Dispense system, which produces consistent superior quality draught beer and cider whilst reducing waste, water and energy consumption is being installed as part of the pub upgrade along with a new coffee machine.

For landlady, Dona Poundall, it’s a case of returning to her roots.  She was born and brought up in Carlton; one of her first jobs was as a member of bar staff at the nearby Volunteer, at the time run by the licensees of The Blacks Head; and her first pub was The Nag’s Head in Carlton.   Most recently she has worked as Concourse and Kiosk & Bar Manager at Nottingham Forest Football Club.

Dona says: “I will aspire for The Beacon Hill to return to how it was years ago, to be the beating heart of the community with lots of events for locals and charities to engage in.  As well as a more comfortable and inviting interior, there’s a room in the secret garden that I am keen for the community to use – it will be a perfect space for activities like craft events and meetings. I’d also love to see the pub have darts and other sports teams again.  Most of all, I am looking forward to opening the doors and giving Carlton residents a warm and welcoming place in which to socialise with one another.”

Star Pubs & Bars Business Development Manager, Dan Littlewood, says:

“"We felt the refurbishment was a good time to change the pub's outdated name to one that it is relevant to the local area whilst conveying that the pub is a welcome place for all.

“We’re delighted that Dona has taken on The Beacon Hill and to be undertaking this refurbishment to improve the pub for customers.  Dona knows the area well and has a reputation for high standards.  The pub is in a busy central location near the main shopping parade and Carlton train station and has a bus stop outside.  With Dona at the helm, running a tight ship to ensure great service and more modern and inviting surroundings, I am sure it will become a popular place for Carlton residents to socialise, especially as it is opening just as the festive season starts.”

The refurbishment at The Beacon Hill is part of a £38m investment that Star Pubs & Bars is making in more than 700 pubs in 2021.

¹About Star Pubs & Bars: 

Star Pubs & Bars is part of HEINEKEN UK. The vast majority of our 2,500 pubs are leased out to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Around 140 pubs operate on our Just Add Talent model (a managed operator agreement). Our ambition is to Build Britain’s Best Pub Company – by attracting and retaining the best operators, investing to create great pubs at the heart of their communities and by providing licensees with market-leading insight and support.