Greene King Pub Partners has reopened The Sportsman in Reading following a £250,000 investment.
The pub has joined Greene King Pub Partners’ Nest Pubs franchise estate and will be operated by franchisee Katie Heath, who has more than five years of experience running pubs in the area.
The refurbishment has included a full internal refresh alongside improvements to the pub’s outdoor trading space.
A covered pergola has been introduced to create an all-weather seating area, while the existing patio and beer garden have also been upgraded.
Inside, the investment has focused on improving the pub’s sports and social areas for live sport, entertainment and community events.
The reopening also introduces a kitchen residency from chef Jonas Lodge through his Clucking Crispy Chicken concept.
Lodge brings more than 24 years of experience in kitchens across Europe.
Following the closure of his restaurant Jonas at GL50 in 2023, he moved into food trucks and festivals before developing his own fried chicken and sauce concept.
The menu at The Sportsman will centre on wings and chicken burgers alongside a selection of sides and sauces.
Lodge also works as Development Chef for Tom Kerridge.
Franchisee of The Sportsman, Katie Heath, said: “I’m so excited to open the doors of the new-look Sportsman. The pub is looking great, including the new outdoor space that can be used year-round. I’ve got some exciting plans for the pub – including a starting a regular schedule of events, ensuring we’ve got something for everyone. My team and I are ready to open our doors and serve our community with a warm welcome, a fresh pint and some delicious fried chicken.”
Penny Bruce, Franchise Operations Director for Greene King Pub Partners, said: “It is great to see the Sportsman reopen as a Nest Pub following our £250,000 transformative investment. The partnership with Jonas and Clucking Crispy Chicken for this particular Nest Pub is especially exciting. The Clucking Crispy Chicken menu perfectly complements a Nest Pub – fried chicken is great accompaniment to your drink while watching a match or catching up with your friends, family and community.
“We’re proud to continue to invest in our pubs – to ensure they stay at the heart of their communities. The Sportsman’s new look is fresh, modern and welcoming – with Katie at the centre of it all, to take the pub on a journey of success.”
Nest Pubs is one of two franchise concepts operated by Greene King Pub Partners, alongside Hive Pubs.
The format is focused on drinks-led community pubs with live sport, entertainment and a simplified food offer.