A longstanding Grimsby pub that has served generations of customers over the years is officially set to re-open next week after a refurbishment.
The Empire, in Runswick Road, will open on Thursday, February 27 at 6pm following a huge £240,000 makeover. As part of the refurbishment, customers will be greeted by a refreshed bar area and function room, brand new furniture, flooring, fixtures and fittings.
The pub – which is part of Proper Pubs – will also feature two new dart boards and a pool table as well as several state-of-the-art flat screen TVs.
Outside, the pub’s spacious beer garden has been transformed with new wooden benches, decorative hanging baskets and a heated undercover area to ensure it can be enjoyed all year round.
To finalise The Empire’s new look, it will also receive brand new lighting and signage at the front of the pub to breathe a fresh lease of life into the exterior.
On hand to greet customers old and new at the re-opening will be Leighton Power, who took over as manager of The Empire almost a year ago following a period of closure.
Leighton said: “I’ve loved every minute of being at The Empire so far – I’m really looking forward to reopening next week and showing off the pub’s brand new look. It’s been amazing to see the vision come to life and I can’t thank the team Proper Pubs enough for all their support throughout this journey.
“The Empire is extremely special to both me and the entire community, so it’s an honour to have been entrusted with it and I look forward to all that’s to come for this fantastic pub.”
Leighton will continue to run The Empire’s busy schedule of entertainment which includes weekly quiz, bingo, live music, karaoke, darts, pool and games nights. He will also re-introduce his very popular, family-friendly ‘Sunday Fundays’ for everyone to enjoy.
Matthew Gurney, operations director for Proper Pubs, said: “I’m delighted to have Leighton on board at The Empire and it’s incredible to see how much the transformation has come on over the last few weeks.
“He has already brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the pub and I’m confident that this investment will enable him to further enhance The Empire’s offering and continue to create a thriving community pillar that can be enjoyed by all.
“On behalf of myself and the whole Proper Pubs team, we would like to wish Leighton the very best of luck with the re-opening next Thursday.”
