Former Geronimo Inns MD opens Salisbury pub and plans more openings

22 August 2016 by
Former Geronimo Inns MD opens Salisbury pub and plans more openings

Former Geronimo Inns managing director Ed Turner and his wife Buffy have launched a pub in Salisbury and are in talks about a second site.

The couple's company, Buff & Bear Saloons, has opened the Old Ale & Coffee House near Salisbury Cathedral, a Star Pubs & Bars site.

It is the first in a portfolio of Hampshire and Wiltshire pubs that the company plans to open, with discussions about a second pub already under way.

The Old Ale & Coffee House has 70 covers inside and 70 outside and has recently undergone a £300,000 refurbishment.

Ed Turner said: "The reaction from locals has been fantastic. They've loved seeing a pub reopened after a closure; they love that it is damn good-looking, unique, locally run and they love the great beer range as well as the variety of menu items on offer.

"Regional towns are overrun by casual dining brands and all are starting to have a standard offer, like the high street. I believe it is time for change and time to protect individuality and local provenance in line with London street food trends. People want something unique and the feedback from locals about the Old Ale & Coffee House shows that our vision for Buff & Bear Saloons is hitting the mark. We're very excited."

Outside, the pub has been completely redecorated including new signage and lighting as well as a new courtyard garden for alfresco drinking and dining, with its own bar. Inside, traditional features have been retained while creating a more contemporary environment.

The pub menu consists of small dishes, which include pork rillettes, Dorset crab, avocado and rye and Godminster Welsh rarebit. Larger plates feature Chalk Stream trout with crème fraîche, linguini, clams, chilli, parsley and lemon, alongside favourites of Hampshire pig chop, duck egg, black pudding, and fish and chips.

Coffee is supplied by Southampton artisan coffee roaster Mozzo, while wines have been sourced through Ellis of Richmond.

Ed Turner, who is also a non-executive director of Brakspear and an advisor to Davy's of London, added: "Our intention is to build a pub portfolio of pubs in provincial cities and towns stretching from Newbury and Winchester to Guildford and Southampton. We're delighted to kick off this new venture with Star Pubs & Bars. The Old Ale & Coffee House is a good-looking historic pub in a great location dating back to 1411 and offered loads of potential. We look forward to taking on more projects with Star in the months to come."

Star Pubs & Bars managing director, Lawson Mountstevens, said: "The Old Ale & Coffee House is just what Salisbury needs. It has broad appeal for tourists and young and old alike. We're delighted to be working with Ed and Buffy on their first site and look forward to building a long term relationship with them both."

Patrick Dardis to be named Young's chief executive >>

Ed Turner joins Brakspear's managed pub division >>

Ed Turner leaves Geronimo Inns >>
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