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Windmill Bar and Restaurant: Pub hits all the right notes
THERE are not many pubs in Peterborough which can boast four chandeliers and a mini-grand piano.
THERE are not many pubs in Peterborough which can boast four chandeliers and a mini-grand piano.
However, the Windmill Bar and Restaurant, in Cherry Orton Road, Orton Waterville, which is now fully open for business, is no ordinary or traditional watering hole.
When husband and wife couple Steve and Jo Haslam took over the former winner of The Evening Telegraph Pub of the Year in September, the venue was in serious need of repair and replenishment.
Five months and 850,000 later, the Windmill, as it is affectionately known by its locals, resembles something top TV chef Gordon Ramsay would be proud to call his own.
It even features four chandeliers hanging impressively from the vast open ceilings and television screens in the men's toilets.
Steve (44), who also owns The Cutter Inn, in Ely, and The White Horse, in Ramsden Heath, said: "When we first looked at it, it was dire.
"We've literally had to repair the entire venue. The plumbing, the floors, everything, it all had to be repaired. We've basically started again, but it was the potential of the place that drew us to it.
"It just needed some TLC and when you are putting the kind of money that we have put in, then you have got to back your convictions.
"Since opening the restaurant two weeks ago, we have been full on Friday and Saturday nights, and also on Sunday lunchtimes. That's a positive sign and the bar has been well received as well.
"This is something that no-one has ever seen in this city."
But why Peterborough for his expansive and far reaching venture? Steve puts this down to a number of reasons, including the pub's location on the edge of the city.
He added: "In this area of Peterborough you get this rural feel, but it's just outside of a busy city.
"However, it's mainly because we saw a gap in the market. Peterborough as a whole on this side of the city has a lot of big brand restaurants and this is something different."
However, Steve and Jo are not quite finished yet. A 50,000 children's play area should be open by Easter and they also hope to apply for a licence for an outdoor cinema.
Steve said: "The play area will be the biggest children's play area in a pub premises in Peterborough.
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