Brookside Tavern reopened after four months new landlord

The Brookside Tavern, in Rayleigh Road, Eastwood, closed in April and had remained empty ever since.

However, new landlord Nathan Collings is now at the helm and is hoping to use his decade of experience working in the pub industry to transform it into a “community-focused hub”.

Refreshed - The bar area (Image: Stonegate)

Top of the agenda is offering a good selection of drinks, and hosting events including quiz nights and bingo nights.

He said: “Our opening was super successful, and it was packed out. There was a great vibe and everyone in the community attended.

“Everyone is glad to see the Brookside back, but for me it is about bringing the community together, forming bonds and relationships and a community hub in which to socialise.

“It is rewarding, that is why I do what I do, the satisfaction I get is in what we do for the community.

“We will be doing charity events. We are going to offer food – a light bites menu during the day, toasted sandwiches, nothing too massive and what else we can.”

Inside - the seating (Image: Stonegate)

Nathan added that the closure allowed the pub to invest in a “new wraparound bar, that is more sophisticated with higher bar tables” to help create an “ambient evening feeling”.

He said: “It keeps people in longer and the colour scheme is more royal blue and gold, sophisticated, there is nothing like it in the area.

“People often go to Rayleigh on nights out and now tell us they can come here. We are also trying to get mums and families through the door and couples. There has been so much positive feedback.”

Revamp - the Brookside Tavern (Image: Stonegate)

This is Nathan’s fourth pub, and he considers himself to be a trouble-shooter for pubs, taking on under-performers and “putting a stamp on it”.

“I strive to make people happy, it is so rewarding, it wasn’t in such a great place before,” Nathan added.

A spokesman from owners Stonegate said, “We are pleased to announce the reopening of much loved local favourite pub, The Brookside Tavern in Eastwood. The pub has been given a revitalising uplift throughout, with exterior renovations and a lightly refreshed interior. The new publican is excited to welcome the community back, and looks forward to continuing to welcome both locals, regular guests, and new faces alike.”