A popular Cambridgeshire pub has re-opened its doors with an award-winning Operator pledging to deliver top class hospitality and a great value offer to customers.
Steve Cook, partner Michelle Johnson and his daughter Sian Howard will ensure the venue named after Huntingdon’s most famous son – Oliver Cromwell – will be a family run business for all of the community.
The pub closed its doors in February for major works, which included a refit and redesign throughout. Nine new big screen TVs have been added to show live sport on Sky Sports and BT Sport, along with two new pool tables and an illuminated dartboard with laser oche.
Prior to taking over The Lord Protector Steve and Michelle were in charge of The Grafton in Bedford but they were unable to resist the charms of the Lord Protector.
Steve said: “We were very happy at The Bedford, which like the Lord Protector is a Craft Union site. When someone suggested we take a look at it I just had to take the opportunity. The potential here is huge and we are going to deliver a fantastic pub for the community to enjoy.
“When I saw what they had done with the refurbishment I was stunned. It looks spectacular and to say we are excited to welcome people here is an understatement.”
One of Steve’s focuses at the pub will be the cask ale range. In his 18 years in hospitality he has won more than 35 awards from CAMRA for his cask beers and he will be looking to add to that tally.
He said: “We have two hand pulls now but we will be looking to increase that. My first pub didn’t have any pumps when I started there and I ended up with six.
“Cask is part of what makes a pub great and it is not an older person’s drink, more and more young people are drinking it. It delivers great flavour, is more sustainable and you are supporting local businesses.”
It all adds to the community vibe of the venue which is family friendly and also welcomes pet dogs.
Sport plays an important role at the Lord Protector, which sponsors a local grassroots football team and also has a golf society and several darts and pool teams that play out of the pub.
On top of sport, entertainment will be provided with live music and events to support their chosen charities.
And the Lord Protector could even end up hosting an event that will be very special to Steve and Michelle. The couple are planning on getting married and the Lord Protector is set to be the perfect location for their special day.
The pub is part of the award-winning Craft Union Pub Company, who were named the Best Community Operator at the 2022 Publican Awards. It invested over £296,000 in The Lord Protector so it can continue to offer outstanding hospitality.
The pub offers a range of great value beers, wines, and spirits.
Keep up to date with all the events and offers on the pub’s website and Facebook page.
The Lord Protector, Mayfield Road, Huntingdon, PE29 1NH
Open daily. Mondays to Thursdays 11am to 11pm, Fridays and Saturdays 11am to 12.30am and Sundays 11am to 10pm
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For more information, contact Leisure PR.