Brixham pub with amazing turnaround story is set for £200k renovation

It’s no half measures when it comes to the transformation of the Bullers Arms in Brixham as it closes its doors for a major £200,000 revamp.

The local pub, which has already seen a remarkable turnaround in the last six months, ended service for the time being on October 15. It’s planned to reopen in mid-November, in time for the Brixham Lights and Lanterns and the festive season.

Owned by Star Pubs & Bars Ltd., local pub operator Kevin Lang took over the licence for the Bullers in April, at which point the pub was in a sorry state.

However, in the last six months, Kevin has tidied it up, introduced standards, a pool table and TVs, and regular food, and made it more welcoming. He’s also created seven jobs with three more planned once the pub reopens. Locals are now back in force.

Kevin said: “I’m a local lad, born and bred in Brixham. The Bullers Arms means a lot to me. It was the first pub I drank in legally and it’s where I met my wife. Before taking on Bullers Arms I would walk past it and be saddened to see it either closed or little used as 30 years ago it was the place to go.

“The town has lost a number of pubs over the years, and I didn’t want that happening to the Bullers Arms so when the lease came up I leapt at the opportunity.”

Funds are being spent on a sympathetic top-to-toe redecoration of the dated interior.  Seating in the bar area will increase from nine to 16.  The look and feel will be traditional with a nautical feel on the left-hand side with oars on the wall, wall-mounted lamps and a mix of freestanding and fixed seating.  The right-hand side of the bar will have high leather and machinist-style stools with a boat mural on the roof girder by local artist Toni Knight.  This area of the bar will also celebrate local sports with framed team shirts on display.

The pool table and darts are being retained and four 75-inch TVs will ensure live sports can be seen from anywhere in the pub.

Externally, The Buller’s Arms is being given a complete makeover, redecorated in a smart blue with white windows.  New lighting and timber effect signage complete the look.
Food at the Buller’s Arms will be good quality pub classics done to a high standard with meat sourced from the local butcher and fish from the fish market.

The drinks on offer will include a wide selection of gins, Cruz Campo, Fosters, Heineken, Moretti, Inch’s and Guinness, as well as wines and two hand pulls for local Devon and Cornish ales.

Kevin’s plans are for Bullers Arms to focus on sports and live entertainment.  Unlike other pubs in town, it is large enough to host bands.  There will be live music every Friday with other activities including karaoke, music quiz nights, discos, raffles, bingo and board game nights.  During the winter there will also be retro games console nights.

Kevin continued: “I want it to be a proper pub. Somewhere, importantly that locals can enjoy in the winter months especially. I care massively about Brixham. I want the town centre to be vibrant year-round and to work with other publicans to help make it so I am also sponsoring the local football, cricket and rugby clubs.

“I am looking forward to creating a great pub for the community that everyone can enjoy including families. Bullers Arms is the only town centre pub that allows children.  We’ll be celebrating its reopening on Saturday 16th with popular local band, Nothing But Mammals playing from 9pm. It should be a great evening.”