A POPULAR Cookley pub is set to close for a £180,000 renovation - and it's even getting a new name.
The investment at The Eagle & Spur on Castle Road is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and Cookley born-and-bred Dean Cox, who took over the pub in January 2021.
It will upgrade the establishment into a family-friendly pub and rename it The Eagle – as it is known locally – to mark the transformation.
The Eagle closes after last orders on October 16 and is scheduled to reopen in time to show the World Cup.
The works will completely redecorate and renovate the outside of the pub, painting it a silvery grey. New planters, seating, lighting and signage will also be installed.
Converted from four 18th-century houses, the pub is believed to have opened in 1834 as The Spin Eagle.
The Eagle will retain a traditional bar area and cosy snug and have space for 30 diners. The overhaul will completely revamp the games room with a new pool table and darts boards, plus new screens for watching sport. The redesign will enable it to double as a function room accommodating up to 70 guests.
As part of The Eagle’s relaunch, Mr Cox is introducing an extended menu of homemade traditional pub favourites including children’s dishes.
He will also be seeking Cask Marque Accreditation for its cask ales and bringing in ales from local breweries.
As a governor of the primary school and vice chair of the parish council, Dean is involved in local life and, under his stewardship, The Eagle is funding the painting of the millennium clock.
Mr Cox said: “We’re looking to get behind more local good causes and initiatives and help the village in any way we can.
“I can remember The Eagle as a child when it was a busy local and even had a sweet shop. The village has lost two pubs in the past five years. I love Cookley and want to ensure that The Eagle remains a thriving hub of the village for future generations to enjoy. It’s a beautiful old building but in need of TLC. We’ll be keeping all its olde worlde charm but bringing it into the 21st century to give Cookley a really fantastic pub.”
In recent months Mr Cox has set up darts, pool and football teams at The Eagle as well as starting up live music nights to bring residents together. Regular quizzes will be added to The Eagle’s events programme when it reopens.
Thomas Timmons, area manager for Star Pubs & Bars said: “Dean is doing a brilliant job of reviving The Eagle. As a lifetime resident of Cookley he knows just what’s needed and what people want. We’re delighted to be backing his plans and taking The Eagle to the next level with this investment. The Eagle will be a great local for the village as well as a destination for those from further afield seeking a lovely old traditional pub. We’ll be working flat out to get The Eagle open again in time for the World Cup and the festive season.”
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