Greyhound bites back after brewery completes facelift
BEER pumps in an historic Derby bar started flowing for the first time in four years last night after a £400,000 overhaul.
The Greyhound, in Friar Gate, shut in 2006 because of a slump in trade but has been given a new lease of life by the Derby Brewing Company.
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The Greyhound
Over the last year, father and son team Trevor and Paul Harris – who run the Derby Brewing Company – have dedicated their time to giving the 276-year-old pub a complete facelift.
It now has two curved bar areas serving real ale from local breweries, a stage, a large beer garden and roof terrace.
Paul, who has managed the refurbishment, said he hoped the pub would offer something new for drinkers from across Derbyshire.
He said: "Before it shut down, The Greyhound had become a stereotypical, run-down, tired pub. What we have done is turn it into something special.
"The whole feel of the pub is special – it's got a buzz about it. People seem excited and I hope that's something we can offer the people of Derby.
"We want the Greyhound to have its own character and style and to be great because it's The Greyhound – we don't want people to think it's just a Derby Brewing Company pub."
The Greyhound dates back to 1734 and is at the heart of the city's famous pub crawl, the Derby Mile.
According to records, it once hosted a celebratory sheep roast to mark the end of the Crimean War in 1856 – with the original fireplace being one of the fixtures unearthed during the refurbishment.
And it is also said to be the venue where criminals who had been condemned to death at Derby Gaol were taken for their final drink.
The Greyhound is the latest iconic pub to be given a rebirth by the Derby Brewing Company, with Trevor and Paul responsible for transforming the Brunswick Inn and The Royal Standard.
Trevor said: "We can't let all of our pubs just go. The Greyhound is special to a lot of people – everybody has got memories of it.
"Now we want other people to start making new memories of the place to go together with the old ones."
Last night's grand opening was attended by more than 100 revellers, including the Mayor of Derby, Councillor Sean Marshall.
He said: "It is great to see the pub back open again and it is a massive improvement on what it was before it closed.
"The bar is fantastic, a lot of the character of the building comes out and it looks brilliant.
"In this day and age, with the recession, I wish the company all the success. If it takes off anything like The Royal Standard, it will be fantastic."
6 Comments
by Chris, Derby
Friday, May 21 2010, 3:40PM
“Nice to hear a first hand report Vivian. It would be good if the neighbouring landlords need not beware - maybe the Greyhound could be the catalyst to the struggling pubs along the Mile getting a chance to revive the tradition. Anyone know what the parking situation is? Can't wait to pop in to give it a try!”
by Vivian, Mackworth
Friday, May 21 2010, 2:52PM
“Popped in today for a few pints at lunch. Love the place! It has a real vibrancy,is airy and spacious and completely the opposite from the traditional exterior,which Trevor and the crew have lovingly restored. A contemporary feel will guarantee that it is popular with local businesses and the evening crowd, and old regulars will no doubt be back soon. Love the new Greyhound logo,too! I've nicknamed him 'Traps'. Great menu and fine beer. A wonderful addition to Friargate, and I'm sure it will become the hub of local life. Neighbouring landlords,beware......”
by Chris, Derby
Friday, May 21 2010, 10:02AM
“I agree with the other Chris, this is good news, however according to Mr. Sandhu who bought the Swan & Salmon just up the road from here, "society has moved forwards and pubs are no longer needed". He is turning the pub into another convenience store - the mile will oon have more of these than pubs.
The Greyhound is a historic pub and like the article says it is where the condemned went for a final drink, this was a tradition that gave us the term "One for the Road" (I read this in a local history book). The name was associated with the Greyhound Stadium (with its sign) but was actually named after a Royal Mail coach that used the Ashbourne Road, "The Greyhound Coach" (Local Studies Library).
I believe that the connection with local breweries and real ale, is the key to success as the article says, it will bring people from far and wide to Derby's World famous MILE.
Good news - I'll drink a toast to at the pub in the near future.”
by Julian, Derby
Friday, May 21 2010, 9:57AM
“I used to work here years ago, glad it's coming back. I'll be popping in as soon as I can.”
by Martin, Derby
Friday, May 21 2010, 9:52AM
“This place is a revelation, one of the best pubs in Derby. I've been walking past for the couple of months waiting eagerly. The quality of finish and ideas with the building are beautiful. Well done chaps and good luck!”
by Chris, Derby
Friday, May 21 2010, 9:27AM
“What a change to hear something positive about the pub trade. We have lost so many of our traditional pubs in and around Derby. I wish them well and will certainly be paying a visit.”