Dan Shotton and Mark Draper of Prospect Pubs & Bars, former owners of Redcomb Pubs which sold to Young’s Brewery in 2019, have taken on their third site, The Blue Ball in Walton-on-the-Hill.
Taking prime position in the affluent Surrey village of Walton-on-the-Hill, Tadworth, The Blue Ball is a premium, family-friendly local, renowned for offering great food and exceptional service.
This latest venture follows on from the successful launch of their second pub under the Prospect Pubs & Bars banner, The Victoria in Woodham, which opened in November 2020.
The Blue Ball is currently undergoing a £250k facelift and will re-open on 24th May. Featuring a covid-safe 100 cover restaurant and bar, outside The Blue Ball also includes three heated Tiki thatched huts, a large terrace and garden with kids play area, plus parking for up to 25 cars.
Inside the pub is being stripped back to showcase some of the site’s original features creating an open drinking and dining area that is smart and stylish, with a warm and homely atmosphere.
Open all day, every day, The Blue Ball’s dining offering has been developed by local Executive Chef, Nick Maloney. Focussing on locally sourced, seasonal and sustainable ingredients, the menu will include ‘proper pub classics, done better’, as well as more premium ‘gastro’ dining options, an extended grill section and plenty for vegans and vegetarians.
The drinks offer will include local and well-known beers and ales, alongside premium international beers and ciders, premium spirits including local gins, a wide selection of wines from lesser-known grapes and vineyards and an interesting array of low and no alcoholic options.
Mark Draper, says: “When The Blue Ball came to market we knew it had Prospect Pubs written all over it, so are delighted to now announce we’re taking ownership. Our ethos has always been to create authentic pubs that stand the test of time and stand up for good old fashioned hospitality, a warmth of welcome, independent spirit and of course, great food and drink. Times may have changed over the last 12-months, but get all these ingredients right and in the right location, and the UK’s love of a properly run pub will always prevail.”
Dan Shotton adds: “Whilst Covid may have messed around a little with our opening and growth plans over the last year, we’re eager to get this country pub back up and running and back at its rightful hub for the local community. We’re also delighted to say that we’re back on track in terms of Prospect’s expansion plans, with three other sites already acquired for opening this year and future plans to acquire 5 to 7 sites per year from 2022 onwards.
“This has been a devastating year for the entire hospitality sector, but it has also reinforced the importance that the British public places on its neighbourhood pubs, demonstrated by the huge support we’ve seen across both of our current sites during the short periods that we have been able to trade. We remain very positive about the outlook for our sector and the place that a well-run, community pub will always have in the hearts of our population.”
The Blue Ball is due to re-open on Monday 24th 2021. For more information, visit www.theblueballtadworth.co.uk
For more information on Prospect Pubs & Bars visit www.prospectpubs.co.uk
