October 31, 2014 5.03 pm This story is over 126 months old

Sneak peek: Lincoln Magna Carta pub’s £90k makeover

Iconic refurb: In the run up to the Magna Carta’s 800th anniversary an iconic Lincoln pub has been given a £90,000 facelift and staff are brushing up on their history.
Magna Carta Manager Jody Bett. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

In the run up to the Magna Carta’s 800th anniversary an iconic Lincoln pub, which shares the same name, has been given a £90,000 facelift and staff are brushing up on their history.

The Marston’s PLC branded Magna Carta pub sits atop Steep Hill, in the shadow of the city’s own keeper of one of the last remaining original Magna Carta documents – Lincoln Castle.

After three weeks of building work and staff refresher training, including a few area history lessons, the pub is ready for a Halloween opening.

The bar opens in the evening of October 31 and the kitchen opens the following day.

The pub and kitchen have been kitted out with a new-look interior, furnishings, menus and branding, while the frontage had been given a dark green coat.

Among quirky additions to the inside of the building, visitors can also enjoy hand painted quotes and even a hidden Lincoln Imp.

Two new chefs have been hired as part of the refurbishment and managers say they are looking to take on more team members soon.

By extending space in the upper floors of the building and adjusting the layout, seating capacity has been extended by around 40%.

Popular event favourites at the venue such as live music nights and all-inclusive jam sessions which take place weekly will continue to run as usual.

On the menus, visitors will a find a number of returning pub classics, as well as a new focus on Sunday lunch with slow roasted leg of pork, roast chicken and lamb shank among the options.

Bar Manager Jody Bett said: “Next year is going to be a whirlwind of a year really for us. As well as the Magna Carta celebrations and the reopening of Lincoln Castle, we will have the National Cycling Championships right outside our front doors. I’m in the club that are hosting it too!

“The amount of tourism that is expected to benefit this area is going to be huge. We have already seen a 10% increase this year in takings. I think part of that is down to Lincoln BIG’s hard work in introducing whats happening to potential visitors now.

“The refurbishment has been a lot time coming and we couldn’t be happier with how everything has turned out.”