Grimsby pub Duke of Wellington has reopened after a six-figure investment and created five new jobs in the community. Residents who noticed the pub in Pasture Street was undergoing refurbishment last week expressed alarm when they saw the antique Hewitt's barrel sign had vanished from the pub's frontage. But a spokesperson for Stonegate Group said the sign - a reminder of Grimsby's proud brewing history - will displayed in the revamped beer garden.
Local historian Graham Larn who is the author of 'Beer, Hope and Charity: Hewitt's Grimsby Brewery Remembered' said his "heart sank" when he saw the sign wasn't in its usual location. He feared it might have been sold - but luckily this wasn't the case. READ MORE: Grimsby man killed his wife and hid her under floorboards while Jus-Roll pastry heiress mistress slept in the shed Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from Grimsby with our free newsletter He said: "Hewitt's was founded in 1875 across the road from the present pub.
Luckily the Cooperage is still standing but it is luxury flats. Somebody wanted to demolish it - but it was given a stay of execution." The Duke of Wellington has been transformed both inside and out with a dark blue colour scheme.
There will be a "grand reopening party" on Saturday, August 31, although it is already open now. The Hewitt's H sign used to be displayed above the pub's gold lettering Jordan Chapman, Operator of the Duke of Wellington, said: “We cannot wait to welcom.