The new owners of a popular and established pub near Darlington have said a £50,000 refurbishment will improve, but not change, the experience for customers.
A pub landlord who appeared on Channel 4 television series Four in a Bed has taken on The Otter & Fish in Hurworth-on-Tees, his third pub working in partnership with independent pub company Punch Pubs & Co.
Channelling inspiration from popular steakhouses and cocktail bars the new owners hope to uphold the pub's reputation, while adding bedrooms to the upstairs space.
Michael Crane has successfully run the popular Fox Inn in Guisborough since 2014 and he is now launching a brand new venture, turning his hand to the Otter & Fish in Hurworth-on-Tees, Darlington with the support of his partner Jai Bennison.
With more than a decade of working in the hospitality industry, this is Michael’s third time running a pub since he started aged 21.
Michael said: “I like to talk to different people, and I love that each day in this industry is so different. I never anticipated being where I am now, but I feel like everything fell into place all for the right reason.
“I jumped at the opportunity of taking on the Otter & Fish. It is a fantastic pub and it’s not very often that ones like this become available.
“The pub was in a wonderful condition so there wasn’t much that needed doing to it. It has a great reputation already and we just want to build on that.”
Michael says the biggest changes as part of the £50,000 refurbishment will take place upstairs, as he plans to create three new bedrooms.
Michael and Jai are also looking to enhance the much-loved eatery’s stellar reputation by expanding the pub's current food menu creating a new steakhouse concept, which they feel the local area is missing.
They also hope to section off the garden area with a modern cocktail bar, plans which are soon to be underway.
Michael also promises to enhance the Otter & Fish’s existing drinks range by introducing eight draught products to its bar, which will be available to dining guests also.
Despite minor changes, Michael and Jai want to reassure guests that the Otter & Fish they all know and love will not be changed, only improved.
Michael said: “The pub name, the staff and chef will not change, we’re not here to create a whole new pub. We saw an opportunity to develop the pub’s current offering, and we will do this without affecting its style.”
The Otter & Fish reopened at the beginning of March.
More information about the pub’s upcoming events and offerings can be found on their Facebook page here.
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