Wakefield pub strips away decades in £100,000 restoration

Licensee Dan Webb said work at The Black Rock on Cross Square had been around two years in the planning, with a major programme of improvements now underway to restore the building’s original features and appearance.

At the front of the pub, the lead-glazed tiles have been acid washed and steam cleaned after lacquer applied by Tetley in the early 1990s began to peel.

The work has also included a new flat roof, filling holes left by old advertising and letting boards, and restoring and repainting the windows.

The entire facade is also due to be painted, with the work being carried out in keeping with the original look of the building.

Around the back, an old canopy and a large amount of redundant wiring are being removed, while the red brick walls are being re-pointed.

Dan said: “Both front and back have had six decades of TV aerial cables removed too! It's amazing how tidy it all looks without that lot.”

He said the overall spend was expected to be around £100,000.

The project is focused on improving and restoring the building rather than changing its character, with original details being cleaned, repaired and brought back into better condition.

Dan is hoping the “grand reveal” will take place over the weekend of the Black Rock’s three-day beer festival.

More than 50 different ales from more than 20 breweries are due to be served from Friday, September 18 to Sunday, September 20, with a mixture of local and regional beers, September specials and regular favourites.

Two additional bars will be installed downstairs for the event, while a new rack upstairs will hold 24 casks, with further beer stored in the cellar.

Food will also be available throughout the weekend, including giant hot dogs from Cafe 19 with beer-braised onions alongside other local food vendors.

Entry to the festival will be free and for over-18s, with beer tokens priced at £2.50 each or five for £10.