Slug and Lettuce in Cheltenham has temporarily closed for a £120,000 makeover and is set to re-open on Friday 19th April with a spectacular launch party. The bar is owned and operated by Stonegate Pub Company which last month was named Best Pub Employer at the industry’s Publican Awards.

The bar on Regent Street, in the centre of Cheltenham, is currently undergoing a full refurbishment with the back bar itself being redesigned and re-configured to increase speed of service and efficiency.

General Manager James Garnham, who recently joined from Slug and Lettuce in Worcester, is creating ten new jobs across all areas of the business from the kitchen to front of house. Keen to celebrate the transformation James will host a reception for local businesses and regular customers to take a sneaky peak look at the bar at 5pm on Thursday 18th April.

The big launch party night follows on Friday 19th April from 7pm when the purple carpet will be rolled out in readiness to welcome customers. Stiltwalkers, fire breathers and paparazzi photographers will be on hand to get everyone in the party spirit whilst the first 100 guests will enjoy a complimentary prosecco and canapé reception on arrival. The highlight of the evening will be a special giveaway for one lucky customer of a brand new iPad. Customers will receive on arrival a ticket containing a unique safe code with their complimentary drink. The customer with the code that opens of the safe positioned in the centre of the bar will walk away with the iPad.

Top DJ Ian Rogers will be making his way to Cheltenham to take to the decks from 9pm and ensure the opening night is one to remember.

The bar’s opening weekend continues with music from resident DJ Jordan on Saturday evening followed by the return of Duke on Sunday evening, a human beat box and acoustic group who had a successful run on X Factor last year.

“We’re really going to town with the refurbishment”, explains James Garnham, general manager, “and our customers are going to be wowed by the difference. Slug and Lettuce is famed for its cocktails and regular 2-4-1 cocktail offer which we operate all day every day”, he added. “We offer cocktail masterclasses to teach our customers some of the tricks of the trade too which are particularly popular and a unique twist for customers hosting parties with us.”

“The new bar design is stylish and contemporary but will feel warm and inviting, a perfect combination for our customers”, continued James. “We know our customers want quality, style, faultless customer service and value for money and we believe we have that whole package. With our lovely new look, a brand new menu and a fabulous range of food and drinks offers we’re the ideal place to head for lunchtime food, after work drinks, private hire or late night partying.”

Slug and Lettuce recently introduced a new and improved spring summer menu. Still containing all the customer favourites, additional dishes for summer include Cajun chicken or grilled yellow-fin tuna superfood salads, healthy options at under 500 calories, barbequed chicken and ribs, a delicious new beef masaman curry and a tempting chicken platter perfect for sharing.

Last month Slug and Lettuce won the Menu Masters Award for the City and Bar Dining category which was judged by its industry peers at the prestigious Menu Innovation and Development Awards. Commenting after the win Perry Huntley, Stonegate Pub Company Head of Food Development explained, “We spend a great deal of time trying new ideas, sourcing quality ingredients and listening to our customers, to ensure our menu is just what our diners want, so we are particularly thrilled to receive this award as it reinforces what our customers are telling us, that they love our food!”