Historic Wakefield pub undergoes £100k transformation to restore original features
The pub is being restored to its former glory
A £100,000 transformation of a historic Wakefield pub is underway.
The Black Rock pub in Wakefield city centre is undergoing a significant restoration project to reinstate its original features. The work is set to be completed in time for the pub's annual three-day beer festival.
The pub, located on Cross Square, is being meticulously restored to its former glory, with the extensive renovation project costing around £100,000.
Licensee Dan Webb revealed that the improvements, which have been in planning for two years, are focused on reviving the building's original character.
Work on the pub's facade includes the acid washing and steam cleaning of lead-glazed tiles, which had begun to peel after a lacquer was applied in the early 1990s.
The restoration also involves installing a new flat roof, filling in holes left by old advertising and letting boards, and repainting the windows. The entire exterior is scheduled to be painted in a style that complements the building's original appearance.
Around the rear of the property, an old canopy and a substantial amount of redundant wiring have been removed. The red brick walls are also being re-pointed.
Mr Webb commented on the extensive removal of old television aerial cables, stating: “Both front and back have had six decades of TV aerial cables removed too! It's amazing how tidy it all looks without that lot.”
The project prioritises the enhancement and repair of existing features over altering the pub's established character.
Mr Webb is anticipating the "grand reveal" to coincide with the pub's upcoming three-day beer festival. The festival, running from Friday, September 18, to Sunday, September 20, will feature over 50 different ales from more than 20 breweries.
Attendees can expect a selection of local and regional beers, alongside September specials and popular favourites.
To accommodate the event, two additional bars will be set up downstairs, and a new rack capable of holding 24 casks will be installed upstairs, with further beer stored in the cellar.
Food will be available throughout the festival, including giant hot dogs with beer-braised onions from Cafe 19, as well as offerings from other local food vendors.
Entry to the festival is free for those aged over 18, with beer tokens priced at £2.50 each or five for £10.