It’s been 10 years since the doors unexpectedly closed to The Tap Room in Bourton-on-the-Water – but on Wednesday 16 February 2022, visitors can see the results of a £600,000 makeover that has transformed the bar and restaurant at The Old New Inn, breathing new life into the much-loved venue.
A stylish and cosy Cotswolds aesthetic greets guests as they step inside, with the revamp having restored historic paintings and stripped off plastering to reveal the Grade II listed, rustic honey-coloured walls beneath.
The work of passionate hoteliers, Andrew and Julie Lund-Yates, the refurbishment has been enabled in part by a grant from the Rural Development Programme for England – with the cash allowing them to sympathetically restore furniture with tasteful William Morris upholstery and to install fresh leather benches.
And it has meant they can champion other Cotswolds firms too – with Robert Welch cutlery from Chipping Campden used in the restaurant, as well as a range of produce from across Gloucestershire.
The new tapas-style menu features Cacklebean eggs from Stow-on-the-Wold, Dolcetti gelato from Cirencester, bread from Mark’s Cotswold Bakery in Chipping Norton, Simon Weaver Cheeses from Upper Slaughter as well as meats from Willersey Provisions.
Lund-Yates said: ‘We’ve been told it felt like the heart of the village stopped beating when the doors closed more than a decade ago. It feels amazing to be able to get it back up and running to a high standard.’
The couple installed a new commercial kitchen last year and have recruited renowned head chef, Jason Hyatt, who brings 20 years of experience from restaurants across the Cotswolds with him.
The restaurant will be able to seat around 60 diners and a new garden area will take shape in the spring, with picnic benches due to be set up on the lawn and a sensory bed of herbs and fragrant plants to be planted in the garden for the chef to use.
Greenhouses will grow lettuces and tomatoes for dishes; an asparagus bed is being planted; and two beehives have already been set up to enhance the menu even further.
The Old New Inn Tap Room Bar and Restaurant is taking bookings for lunch Wednesday to Saturday from 12pm to 5pm and Sunday 12pm to 6pm; and evening meals Wednesday to Saturday 6pm to 8.30pm.
The doors officially open on Wednesday 16 February 2022.
For more information, visit theoldnewinn.co.uk/tap-room or call (01451) 820467.
