The Restaurant Group-owned pub operator Brunning & Price has secured the ground floor space of the old Empire Hotel in Bath, continuing its expansion plans.
Currently housing a Garfunkel’s restaurant, the grade-II listed building will be the site of a new venue named The Architect after the building’s designer, Bath city architect Major Charles Edward Davis.
The Restaurant Group announced last year that it was planning to double the size of its estate which now stands at 79 pubs and restaurants with Brunning & Price leading the push following a £175 recapitalisation.
The company plan a summer opening, following refurbishment over the next couple of months. Mary Willcock, manager director for Brunning & Price, said: “This project will be a joy to work on as the building itself is crammed with history and character. Being foodies, our menu, which will be published on our website each morning, will be something of an eclectic mix, striking a balance of hearty pub classics, complemented by more exotic influences from around the world. It changes regularly and reflects the seasons, but there’s always a mix of traditional British dishes alongside something a little different. We think simple things done well are often the best and we want to create a friendly atmosphere in attractive surroundings where locals, regulars and new customers can meet, eat, drink and relax. That, for us, is what being a good pub in the heart of its community is all about.”
