Whitbread launches new pub format to trade alongside Premier Inn
Cookhouse and Pub aims to re-invent the pub dining experience, delivering “the quality food and service of an informal, all-day casual restaurant, with the relaxed vibe and affordability of a pub”.
Described as a trial, the new concept is designed to trade alongside Whitbread’s budget hotel brand Premier Inn. Further locations are scheduled to open in Holystone in Tyneside, Ripley in Derbyshire and Kilmarnock, East Ayrshirw, over the next few months.
The 4,519 square-foot, 237-cover Oldbury site has been developed by York and Leeds based designers JMDA, and includes a 41-cover bar and a large open kitchen.
The interior is described as having fresh colours mixed with natural materials and a range of flexible seating as well as solo-dining booths, large feature tables and semi-private dining areas.
The menu includes flatbreads, grills, lighter options and brunches, alongside a selection of pub classics, Sunday roasts and desserts. Cookhouse and Pub offers a range of craft beers, cask ales and ciders, alongside draught wines and cocktails on tap or by the carafe.
“We feel this is a new, bold and revolutionary concept in the pub restaurant market which we hope will be welcomed with open arms,” says Whitbread Restaurants head of strategy and innovation Sarah Tinsley.
Whitbread launched a more contemporary version of its Beefeater brand called Bar + Block last year which has now expanded to four sites including a flagship location in King's Cross.
