Work stops on Peterborough pub’s £1.4m refurbishment

The Cowgate pub closed at the end of October while the refurbishment and expansion project was undertaken - with the pub due to reopen on February 11.

However, Yorkshire-based Sanderson Contracts, which has been doing the work, this week ceased trading, bringing work to a stop.

A spokesman for the JD Wethespoon pub said today: “There have been issues with the contractor and as a result, The Drapers Arms will open two to three weeks later than planned.

“We apologise to all those people looking forward to the reopening of the pub.”

Staff at the pub have been deployed to other Wetherspoon pubs in the region, during the closure for the work, and will return for the reopening when an additional 15 full and part-time jobs will also be created.

The pub first opened as a Wetherspoon in March 2005, The current refurbishment and expansion involves an extension added to the rear of the building, creating additional customer area within the pub, as well as adding both a rear courtyard garden and a new roof terrace garden.

Behind the scenes, the cellar is being relocated into the basement, creating space for a food pick up area and new bar servery.

It is being redecorated throughout, including a new colour scheme and finishes, new carpets and lighting, as well as a mixture of new and refurbished furniture and artwork.

Earlier this week Sanderson Contracts confirmed it is to appoint administrators with 34 jobs set to be lost as a result. Directors said that the decision had been taken following a review of the company’s financial position. Notice has been filed with the court of the directors’ intention to appoint an administrator.

The construction company established in 1999 operated from West Yorkshire but delivered projects throughout the UK and ROI. It specialised in development, fit out and refurbishment contracts in the pub and restaurant sector becoming involved in hotel development and new build projects in more recent times.