Business as usual as Cox's Yard reopens

Apostrophe Pubs, a division of brewery and leaseholder Charles Wells, said it will be taking ideas about the future from customers with an eye on a large refurbishment project in the new year.

It has been confirmed that performers scheduled to play at The Lazy Cow would still play at Cox’s Yard and the venue would re-open sometime this week after a short spell of maintenance.

Craig Mayes, director of Apostrophe Pubs said: “This former timber yard was converted to Cox’s Yard in September 1998 and we’ll be building on its heritage and character of its location.

"Once we have completed the necessary remedial work we’ll be throwing open the doors to welcome guests back and spend time getting to know what they want from the pub before we undertake a bigger refurbishment project in the New Year.

“Other than making some minor cosmetic changes, the main change people will see at the moment is that the pub has reverted back to its original name of Cox’s Yard.

"Aside from the bar and restaurant we’ll also be using a separate area of the site to open our temporary “Scrum Bar” for September and October where guests can enjoy the Rugby World Cup.

“Cox’s Yard is the perfect addition to our small portfolio and the team is looking forward to working up our investment ideas and customer service plans to give the local community a pub that they can be really proud of and enjoy spending their leisure time in.

“We’re looking forward to Cox’s Yard re-establishing itself as part of the community in Stratford upon Avon and ask locals to bear with us whilst we complete the essential maintenance works.”

Apostrophe Pubs said they would be looking for people to join the existing team at Cox’s Yard when the venue re-opens.

The Lazy Cow moved into Cox’s Yard in 2012 but moved out of the site on Monday.

Ross Sanders, managing director of The Lazy Cow, added: "It has been a fantastic four years trading at the former Cox's Yard site and we’ve been welcomed by locals and tourists alike.

"However, it is time to move on and focus on my other business interests and I would like to thank all the customers and staff alike for their support over the years.

"I look forward to coming back in for a pint once the refurbishment has taken place."

The new Cox’s Yard has a page on Facebook where people can give their views and follow the venue’s progress