Dronfield Woodhouse pub The Miners Arms closes for £310k refurb

Dronfield Woodhouse pub The Miners Arms has shut its doors in order to undergo a £310,000 refurbishment. 

The refurbishment is being carried out by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and new licensee Jon Church, who comes from Meadowhead and has worked in pubs around Derbyshire and South Yorkshire for the past 20 years.

The investment will see the renovation and redecoration of the exterior of the old stone pub, replacing the signage and lighting and sprucing up the large garden with new planting and furniture.

Meanwhile, the internal revamp will incorporate new furniture, flooring and curtains plus contemporary touches such as decorative lighting. Other changes will include a kitchen refit, a cellar overhaul with new cellar dispense equipment to ensure energy-saving measures to improve the pub’s sustainability.

The pub’s new menu will focus on homemade pub classics like steak pies, fish and chips and Sunday roasts, with small plates of British cuisine for sharing and starters.

Church said: “I’ve searched for 18 months for the right pub, visiting around 40 in person and looking at many more online. It’s fantastic to have found the ideal place just a few miles from home. When I pulled up outside The Miners Arms, I knew it was ‘the one’. It’s in a bit of a state now but the investment will transform it. I want it to be a proper pub that serves the needs of the whole community.”

Chris Carratt, area manager for Star Pubs, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Jon to create a premium local that is welcoming to all. Jon has extensive experience in hospitality across the region and, having been brought up in the area, knows just what The Miners Arms needs to thrive for the long term. From great food to excellent beer and varied activities, there’ll be lots of reasons to visit for local residents and those from further afield alike.”