Rural pub with rooms · Cambridgeshire
An inn dating, in part, from the 17th century, whose courtyard letting rooms had become tired and were no longer being offered. As part of a wider relaunch of the business we refurbished them and brought them back into use, on time and on budget.
With the pub trading again, we were tasked to give the rooms a new lease of life to support the food and beverage operations. Working to a strict fixed budget, the aim was to refresh what was already there where possible and bring in an element of luxury for the many tourists visiting nearby attractions.
01 — Buy
The case rested on who comes past and how often they come back. We worked the trading assumptions around the nearby attractions and set room pricing against every competitor within a five-mile radius. The rooms were then tailored to this assumption in conjunction with the owner.
02 — Renovate
Electrical, plumbing and decoration works all sourced and managed by us, using local tradesmen we know and trust wherever the work allowed. Strict cost control throughout: refurbished rather than replaced, upcycled where a piece had life left in it.
Furnishings mixed the practical with signature vintage pieces, and we commissioned a local artist for bespoke decoration — so the rooms look like this pub and nowhere else.
High-quality linens and bedding, super-soft towels, high-end toiletries. The things a guest remembers cost a fraction of the refit and do most of the work.
03 — Operate
The rooms were listed on a comprehensive set of online travel agents with prices set in line with the local market and designed to generate rapid initial booking. We implemented a robust technology solution to manage the whole process.
In tandem, we engaged in a campaign of direct outreach to make local businesses in the area aware of the new service offering for their travelling staff, generating a substantial, high margin and recurring revenue stream.
We'll tell you honestly whether it works as a short-stay business.
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