A HISTORIC venue has upgraded its premises via a grant scheme which has been ring-fenced for rural businesses.
Cubley Hall, in Penistone, has refurbished and enhanced its events space, bar and seating area to attract more weddings, private functions and music events.
The cost of its £25,000 refurbishment has been half covered by a rural business grant, secured through the council’s Enterprising Barnsley programme.
All the work, carried out by local suppliers wherever possible, is now complete.
Its dedicated events space, The Barn, now features improved decor and flexible seating, a feature wall for displays and selfies, new professional stage lighting and a resurfaced dance floor.
The pub’s main bar and conservatory area has had its decor refreshed and its seating upgraded.
Owner John Wigfield said: “The significant improvements we’ve made to our beautiful old country house venue will enable us to better meet the needs of customers, host a wider variety of events and attract more bookings.
“Like everyone in the hospitality sector, we’ve been working hard to rebuild the business after Covid-19 and the economic pressures we’ve all faced since then.
“These upgrades have tackled some very stubborn, practical issues which have basically been holding us back.
“We couldn’t have made this key investment in our business without the grant covering half the cost, and we couldn’t have secured that funding without Enterprising Barnsley supporting us through the application process.”
Cubley Hall - which dates back to the 1800s - opened to the public in 1982, transforming a derelict country house and 4.5 acres of land into a community pub and venue.
Business support advisor at Enterprising Barnsley, Rachel Fletcher, added: “Cubley Hall has built a strong business over 40-plus years, playing an active role in its community and gaining a UK-wide profile as a wedding and events venue.
“Its beautiful setting, easy access to the M1 and good transport links, means Cubley Hall competes on a regional and national level for bookings and brings new money into the local economy.
“This timely investment in the fabric of the building and its facilities is designed to help Cubley Hall flourish further, boost income and profitability, and create and sustain jobs.”
