Several new jobs are to be created at Ferndown pub, the Horns Inn later this month after the business re-opens following a £150,000 refurbishment. The pub on Christchurch road is to temporarily close on Sunday 14th April for the nine day makeover.
Whilst the team of builders and designers freshen up the pub, general manager Paul Priestley and the staff at the Horns Inn will be busy maximising their time by boosting customer service skills and product knowledge.
The pub will re-open on Thursday 25th April with a welcome reception for local businesses and regular customers between 5-7pm. Guests can enjoy a complimentary pint of cask ale or glass of wine and try out some of the delicious canapés created by the pub’s kitchen team, headed by Esvet Boke. The evening continues with a live acoustic set from Bournemouth based performer George Holloway.
The pub, which is owned and operated by Stonegate Pub Company as part of its estate of Classic Inns, will re-open with a sophisticated and stylish new décor throughout. New signage and a redecorated exterior will make the destination pub even more inviting. At the rear, the large English country garden, which can cater for over two hundred and fifty diners, will be spruced up with bespoke patio areas, planting and brand new garden furniture in readiness for summer.
Last month the Horns Inn launched its spring summer menu to the delight of its customers whose enthusiasm for the dishes led to the pub achieving its best week of food sales record to date. Both real ale and food sales at The Horns Inn have seen a significant rise in the last year. General Manager Paul Priestley has introduced a regularly rotating variety of locally sourced ales whilst a reputation for great food has led sales to grow by 100%.
Following a taster night for customers to try out the new dishes general manager Paul Priestley commented, “Customer feedback to the new dishes has been tremendous. We have had particularly positive response to our new charcuterie board, an ideal sharing starter or platter to enjoy over a bottle of wine. Also big sellers have been the king prawn, bacon and asparagus risotto and our delicious new superfood salads – a healthy option too at under 500 calories.”
Offering great quality dishes alongside good value is the formula the pub likes to stick to. So with this in mind Paul operates regular food promotions that make a real difference for his customers. Every Monday the pub offers 50% off food whilst on Tuesdays the deal is a gourmet burger for £8.45. During Wednesday evenings the pub hosts its popular spice night and on Thursdays it serves a grill and a drink from £7.75. The pub also has a daily specials menu, often featuring a pub favourite dish with Horns Inn’s own twist. The week finishes on Sundays with a roast of the day with all the trimmings, for just £8.45
With its generous space, cleverly split layout and large, secluded garden the Horns Inn also makes an ideal venue for special occasions.
“The team and I look forward to welcoming customers new and old to Horns Inn after our refurbishment. Our friendly atmosphere and reputation for delicious food speaks for itself but now with an updated new look it will be even more enticing”, added Paul. “The support from our regulars and local customers since I took over the pub last year has been amazing. At Christmas we held a quiz and curry night at the pub and raised over £3000 for Smithers, a short stay children’s home run by Diverse Abilities Plus for children with learning and physical disabilities. Now we are looking at further ways we can make a real difference within our community to support local charity projects and so are keen to hear ideas from anyone local to us with a project in mind.”