Pub near Bromsgrove set for £316,000 refurbishment

The Plough & Harrow on Stourbridge Road at Catshill is set to be transformed, with renovation work starting this month.

It will be carried out by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and will see 23-year-old Beth Smith, who has lived nearby since her childhood, take the helm as the new licensee.

Work starts on October 16 and the pub is scheduled to reopen in mid-December, with around ten new jobs being created.

The investment will completely revamp the outside of the pub. Parts of the exterior will be repainted dark blue and there will be new signage and lighting.

The pub’s secluded rear garden will have a makeover, adding furniture, giant umbrellas, festoon lighting and a fire pit.

The Plough & Harrow in Catshill (Image: Star Pubs and Bars)

The inside of the pub will be upgraded with a stylish new design with heritage colours, booth seating and decorative light fittings, whilst retaining and renovating features such as the timber floor and beams.

The pub will have a bar area, which will be fitted out with screens showing Sky Sports, plus three lounge areas with softer furnishings and views over the garden.

Beth wants to return The Plough & Harrow to the busy popular pub she remembers growing up in Cofton Hackett when her family liked having meals there.

Beth said: “The Plough & Harrow has lost its way in recent years and people in Catshill have been worried about its future. My aim is to give them a pub they can be proud of again.

“My mum and aunty and uncle all worked in pubs; it’s in my blood. I love the variety, meeting people and creating an atmosphere where they can enjoy themselves.

“I feel very lucky – I can’t think of better pub to run. The Plough & Harrow is unloved now but has loads of potential. The investment is just what’s needed to bring it back to life – it’ll be transformed".