Looking for a welcoming new spot to enjoy this weekend? The Riverside in Lechlade, a beloved Cotswolds pub, has just reopened following an extensive £350,000 refurbishment that transforms the venue inside and out.
Closed for five weeks earlier this year, The Riverside underwent a comprehensive revamp covering both front-of-house and back-of-house areas. Landlord Gareth Chapman, who has managed the pub since 2021, describes the changes as “like walking into a new pub.”
“We’ve completely redesigned the bar area, making it larger and more efficient for serving customers,” Gareth explains. “The fireplace is refreshed with cozy seating nearby, the upstairs carpet and décor have been renewed to create a more spacious feel, and outside, we’ve added comfy new seating to make the most of the riverside views.”
A major upgrade to the kitchen doubles its capacity, promising faster food service just in time for the busy summer season. Pizza ovens have also been installed, allowing The Riverside to offer freshly made pizzas every day.
Gareth adds, “The staff are really proud of the improvements and so are the locals and visitors. We had a fantastic turnout during the reopening weekend. People traveled all the way from Bristol and Oxford to see the changes.”
The Riverside first opened as a pub in 1982 and has been under Arkells Brewery’s ownership since 2008. This latest refurbishment forms part of a strategic £350,000 investment by Arkells aimed at enhancing both customer experience and operational efficiency.
Behind the scenes, upgrades include bar and cellar renovations, a new glass wash and bottle storage area, an expanded walk-in freezer, improvements to the kitchen prep zone, and a dedicated pizza service area adjoining the stretch tent.
Front-of-house enhancements feature increased dining capacity by 28 covers, refreshed lighting, new furniture, and a completely rebuilt bar. These improvements are designed to help the pub team deliver excellent service during peak times.
George Arkell, Managing Director of Arkells, said, “We are thrilled to reopen The Riverside just as the early sunshine arrives. This refurbishment not only creates a stunning environment for our customers but also equips our staff to deliver the best experience during the bustling summer months.”
The refurbishment was carried out by Concorde BGW Ltd, with Abigail Saroi leading the design. George praised her “fantastic job” on her first design project.
After a soft reopening on February 21, The Riverside is now fully open and ready to welcome guests for a memorable spring and summer by the river.