Frogmill set to be Brakspear's biggest redevelopment

Brakspear has revealed plans to reopen the Frogmill near Cheltenham following the biggest redevelopment project in the company's 240-year history.

The pub company and brewer bought the Grade II-listed property in Shipton Oliffe, near Andoversford, in early 2016, leading to its closure while plans were developed for its refurbishment.

When complete in July the Frogmill will be Brakspear's biggest managed site, comprising a 100-cover restaurant, bar and 28 boutique bedrooms, as well as wedding and conference facilities for up to 150 guests.

The traditional Cotswolds stone building is believed to date back to the 16th century and the redevelopment of the Frogmill will see many of its original features retained, including fireplaces, flagstone floors, exposed beams and, in the grounds, a wisteria-covered stone pergola and a watermill.

Brakspear's in-house design team is aiming to combine traditional and contemporary features, which the company said is a common theme across its growing managed estate.

Tom Davies, Brakspear chief executive, said the project has generated a lot of local interest and that its dedicated wedding and event facilities set the Frogmill apart from the company's other managed sites.

"But we have a great track record of running successful, award-winning pubs with a quality food offer and accommodation," he added. "Our managed business is now five years old and we have built a strong infrastructure including estate-wide recruitment, training, menu development and marketing, that will enable us to replicate our success at this larger, more complex site."

The Frogmill takes Brakspear's managed estate up to 12 sites, in addition to the firm's core leased and tenanted business. The managed estate division was formed in 2013 with the opening of the Bull on Bell Street in Henley-on-Thames and includes pubs across the Cotswolds and south east.

Seven sites - including the Frogmill - currently offer accommodation, with a total of just over 100 rooms. A further 13 rooms are being added this summer to the newest acquisition, the Lion at Wendlebury, near Bicester.

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