If you’re looking for a fresh spot to enjoy this weekend, The Riverside in Lechlade is back and better than ever after an extensive £350,000 refurbishment. This beloved Cotswolds pub, closed for five weeks earlier this year, has undergone remarkable transformations both front and back of house.
Landlord Gareth Chapman, who has been at the helm since 2021, shares his excitement: “It feels like walking into a completely new pub. We’ve expanded and modernised the bar area to make service smoother, installed a new fireplace with cosy seating, and refitted the upstairs to create a much larger space. Outside, we’ve added comfortable new seating, and our kitchen has doubled in size, which means quicker food service.”
A highlight for food lovers is the installation of pizza ovens in the main kitchen, enabling The Riverside to serve pizza daily. Gareth adds, “Our team is proud of the transformation, and the improvements are making a real difference.”
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The pub’s reopening weekend drew crowds from near and far, including visitors from Bristol and Oxford, all eager to see the refreshed venue firsthand. Gareth notes, “It’s been the busiest February we’ve had, which is fantastic news.”
The Riverside has a rich history, operating as a pub since 1982 after transitioning from a café. Since 2008, it has been owned by Arkells Brewery of Swindon, Wiltshire. The recent refurbishment was part of a broader investment by Arkells, designed to upgrade facilities and optimise service delivery during busy summer months.
Behind the scenes, the upgrades include extensive bar and cellar improvements, a new glass wash and bottle store, a walk-in freezer, an enhanced kitchen prep area, and a dedicated pizza service area opening onto a stretch tent. Front-of-house enhancements boast new dining seating increasing capacity by 28 covers, updated lighting, stylish new furniture, and a completely rebuilt bar.
George Arkell, Managing Director of Arkells Brewery, expressed enthusiasm about the reopening: “We’re thrilled to welcome guests back just in time for the early sunshine. This refurbishment not only improves the customer experience but also equips our team to deliver excellent service during peak times by the riverside.”
The refurbishment was expertly designed and built by Concorde BGW Ltd, with special praise for Abigail Saroi, who led the design project on her debut.
After a soft reopening on February 21, The Riverside is now fully open and ready to welcome visitors this spring, promising a fantastic new chapter for this cherished Cotswolds pub.