Scotch Arms celebrates 10 years at the pub with a sparkle!


Local licensees of the Scotch Arms in Blackhill are celebrating their 10-year anniversary at the pub this month with a sparkling internal refresh to its interior and an anniversary party.

Regional operations director Neil Rhymes and the pub’s area manager Stephen Birkett from pub company partner Admiral Taverns, visited the pub to present the dedicated couple with champagne to mark the occasion.

Experienced licensees Louise Jewers and Graham Ford took on the pub in September 2008 having previously run other successful pubs in the area including several Durham CAMRA award winning establishments.

Together they have worked hard to cement the Scotch Arms as a popular social hub, developing an impressive cask ale menu and establishing a busy entertainment programme at this popular local.  Today the pub hosts regular live sports evenings, is home to pool and darts teams and recently has launched a pub football team who have just won the CM Flooring Consett & District Sunday League division 1 title.

To celebrate their 10-year anniversary the couple have given the pub’s interior a fresh new look to ensure the Scotch Arms can continue to offer its customers a warm and inviting welcome.  They also held a celebratory bash to mark their 10-year anniversary with live music from local band Squeeker, the Washington based rock band.

Commentating on the reopening, Graham Ford, licensee at the Scotch Arms said:

“We’re thrilled to be celebrating 10 years at the Scotch Arms and it’s great to see this popular community pub thriving.  We’re passionate about Blackhill and this sparkle refurbishment will help ensure we can continue to give our customers the warm welcome that they have come to know the Scotch Arms for.”

Steve Birkett, Admiral Tavern’s Business Development Manager for Northumberland said: “In the current climate this is a phenomenal achievement for Louise and Graham to be celebrating 10 years at the pub. It is a testament to their hard work and community focus that the pub is such a success and their investment in the local community has certainly paid off. Their sparkle has given the pub a great lift and we wish them all the best for the future. Here’s to the next 10 years!”