Bristol pub reopens after refurb

Two Bristol entrepreneurs have transformed a derelict pub in Henleaze.

The Beehive, on Wellington Hill West, was established in 1936 and ever since the pub has been used by the communities of Manor Farm and Henleaze.

But in the last few years the pub fell into disrepair and eventually closed six months ago. It was then that 29-year-old Lynden O'Neill, who used to live opposite the building and his friend Simon Vardarkis, 32, who lives in Clevedon, decided to step in.

In three months they have refurbished the pub and completely redesigned the beer garden, which they say is the biggest in Bristol, hoping to turn the Beehive back into a community watering hole.

Mr O'Neill said: "I've known the pub for about 20 years, I used to live opposite and I've got great memories of going there and playing in the gardens when I was younger.

"Sadly it went downhill and when it closed we saw a business opportunity. I've run pubs before, I was landlord of the Post Office Tavern in Westbury-on-Trym and Simon is the business brain."

The pair, who have been friends since they met at a Bristol theatre group, have tried to do most of the renovations themselves.

"We've ripped up the carpets and restored the old parquet floor, we've redecorated so its fresh and light. We've ripped out the bathrooms and installed new facilities and its all looking a lot better", Mr O'Neill said.

The pub, which officially reopened at the weekend is due to start serving food in the next three or four weeks.

Mr O'Neill added: "We're redesigning the whole kitchen and we've got a chef who going to make home cooked fresh produce. We've also got a section of the garden where we're going to grow our own vegetables.

"Our food miles will be as low as possible and we'll try and only use West Country products. We want this to be a family pub not a gastro one but we'll have things like homemade organic chicken nuggets on the menu, using locally sourced ingredients."

The pair say they will also stock West Country fresh ales and have plans to serve teas and fresh cakes soon.

A packed-out pub and garden signalled a successful start for the duo who say they will continue to come up with new ideas. Mr O'Neill added: "On Sunday, the 50 picnic tables outside were filled and people were going back to their houses and bringing back blankets to share with people sitting on the grass. It was great to see."