A POPUALAR boozer has been restored as a pub “for the community” once again, its general manager says.
Lee Foster took the reins at the Gerard Arms pub, in Dentons Green, in November 2022.
Adding “little touches” to the establishment, such as flower decorations, has helped to make it “more welcoming for women and families”, he said.
Lee added that, after feeling like the pub had gone through a dip before he took over, his mission was to see “what we could do to get it as a community pub again”.
“I am always asking regulars who come in what they want to be at the Gerard and always trying to see what the community wants, said Lee.
The Gerard has regular music nights, free pool on a Tuesday, and a quiz on a Wednesday, having moved from its previous slot on a Monday, and the function room upstairs for free hire.
The Dentons Green Lane pub also still hosts its weekly Dementia café, The Loving Arms on a Friday morning, offering a social group and activities for those living with dementia. Lee says this has been “growing so much now” offering people who attend “a community to go to each week”.
The Greene King venue has also seen a new menu introduced which includes sharer dishes, and new desserts among its additions, with offers through the week and Burgers of the Month available.
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One feature of the Gerard is its sizeable beer garden at the back where the former bowling green was situated.
“We have got that massive beer garden which is a hidden gem. We get people coming saying we didn’t realise you had that because it’s secluded.”
Lee said there are plans for events in the beer garden, including a barbecue during the August bank holiday.
It hosts children’s parties and many family events and Lee says the ongoing Euro 2024 tournament has provided a boost over the summer.
While acknowledging the post-Covid era and the cost-of-living crisis has presented challenges for the industry, Lee says that the pub has fared well in spite of this.
“There has not been that much of a drop, people still want to come and meet friends and family, and celebrate all the things they would celebrate.
“We try to do things to cater for everybody.”
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