New chapter for boarded up pub The Brickmakers as it benefits from major refurbishment after acquisition

Worried residents have been assured a charming pub, which is currently boarded up, will return with a new chapter pending.

The Brickmakers, in Swanmore, is set to reopen in September under new management after being acquired by Punch Pubs & Co. It has been closed for a refurbishment and currently has metal sheets on the doors and windows.

This comes after the previous leaseholders, Koren and Gareth Blake, announced they would be giving the keys back after serving the community for 15 years.

While plans for the new-look pub are still under wraps, the new management partners Liam, Brooke and Cathy have said they are looking forward to making their mark on the pub.

Punch Pubs & Co head of acquisitions, Andrew Cannons, said: “The Brickmakers will make a fantastic addition to our Punch family; its community focus and longevity locally have already made it a thriving community hub. With our upcoming investment, I’m excited for the pub’s future and looking forward to seeing our new partners and their team take it into a new chapter.”

The open-plan pub, which was built in the late 19th century, features a bar area and a restaurant space. It also has a patio and beer garden with outdoor seating and a pizza kitchen.

Punch Pubs operations manager, Grant Read, added: “Liam, Brooke, Cathy and the team have some exciting plans lined up at The Brickmakers, and I do not doubt that the pub will thrive once it reopens after its investment. We aim to keep the community updated while the transformation takes place and look forward to updating everyone through the pub’s social media pages in due course.”

Punch Pubs & Co owns about 1,300 leased, managed, and independent community pubs across the UK. Its nearest pubs to the Brickmakers are The Filly in Brockenhurst and The Anglesey Arms in Chichester.