Derby Community Pub Set to open its new function room following Transformational Refurbishment

27 February 2026: Popular community pub, The Traveller’s Rest on Ashbourne Road in Derby, is launching the second phase of its refurbishment, on Saturday 28th February, a brand new function room, with its own bar and capacity for 120 guests, as well as its own private garden. This is the second part of a transformational renovation to the pub, with a combined investment of £320,000 from experienced licensee, Andy Newton and Admiral Taverns.

With its own bar and private garden, the function room provides options for local business events, parties, christenings and other gathering to host at the pub.

The first phase of the refurbishment saw a full evolution of the pub, which opened to the community on 1st December, including a total refurbishment to the bar and kitchen, with brand new flooring, fixtures and fittings. In addition, it included the installation of three 50-inch, state of the art flat screen televisions, alongside one 32-inch television.

Externally, The Traveller’s Rest features brand-new signage, lighting and painting to greet customers along with a spacious beer garden to the back of the pub – seating approximately 100 people.

Passionate licensee, Andy, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to The Traveller’s Rest having not only grown up in the local area, but has also been at the helm of the pub for the last two years. During Andy’s time at the pub so far, he has worked tirelessly to create a vibrant social place for everyone in the community – including four legged friends, to feel welcome.

To celebrate the opening of the new function room, The Traveller’s Rest will host an afternoon and evening of live music, including a Michael Jackson tribute at 2pm, a magician performance at 6.30pm and a ABBA tribute performance at 8pm.

Andy Newton, Licensee at The Traveller’s Rest, commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled with the results of this fantastic investment so far. Phase 1 has gone down really well with the locals, who are enjoying the benefits of the newly refurbished pub. I’m delighted to be able to offer them even more options now with the new function room, which will be the perfect place to host family gatherings, business events and more.”

I have really enjoyed every minute of my time at The Travellers Rest so far and I would like to thank everyone, from our family and friends to our customers, team and of course Admiral Taverns, for all their ongoing support over the past two years. I look forward to everything the future holds for this fabulous community pub!”

As part of Andy’s commitment of bringing people together, he will continue to host a busy schedule of regular entertainment including a dart team on Mondays with quiz nights on Tuesdays and live acoustic music every fortnight on a Wednesday from 8pm. In addition, the licensee will host a variety of charity events in the future to raise money for a children’s charity called Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre.

The Traveller’s Rest also offers an impressive selection of draught beers such as Guinness, Cruz Campo, Carling, Coors and Moretti. On the day of the reopening, there will also be a drinks deal where you can get £1 off on your first drink. In the future, the pub plans to offer traditional pub food which will range from sandwiches to a jacket potatoes dish.

The pub is owned by Admiral Taverns, the UK’s leading community pub company with c. 1,365 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales.

Richard Skinner, Business Development Manager at Admiral Taverns, added: “Andy has brought real passion and dedication to The Traveller’s Rest since taking it over and he has built a strong, community-focused pub that local residents enjoy.

On behalf of myself and everyone at Admiral Taverns, I wish Andy and the whole team at The Traveller’s Rest the very best for the future.”

ENDS

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