The Old Fleece has completed a £1 million refurbishment, marking a significant milestone for one of the best-known independent pubs.
Delivered over a three-year period, the investment reflects a long-term commitment to quality, sustainability, and local employment.
“This has been a long-term project for us, and reaching this point feels like a real milestone,” said Nick Beardsley, co-owner of The Old Fleece at Woodchester. “The Old Fleece has always been about doing things properly, and this investment reflects our commitment to quality, sustainability and to the people who work here.”
The project has been shaped throughout by co-owner Christophe Coquoin, whose hands-on approach to interior design has played a central role. Working closely with local trades, he has created spaces that feel calm, modern, and welcoming, while remaining true to the character of the historic building. Natural materials, thoughtful lighting, and practical layouts ensure the pub functions just as well on a busy weekend as it does on a quiet weekday morning.
“Christophe has poured an enormous amount of thought and care into every part of the refurbishment,” Nick added. “His eye for design and his hands-on approach have shaped spaces that feel modern and comfortable while still respecting the character of the building.”
Behind the scenes, the refurbishment has included major infrastructure upgrades. New state-of-the-art toilet facilities improve accessibility and efficiency, while an all-electric catering kitchen supports a more sustainable way of working. One of the most distinctive elements of the project is the construction of what is believed to be the first underground beer cellar built in the UK this century, significantly improving storage conditions and beer quality.
The latest addition to the site is The Barn, which opened last weekend. This new restaurant and lounge extension introduces a flexible space, including a dedicated lounge area with a log burner. Designed by Christophe, The Barn enables The Old Fleece to extend its opening hours, with breakfast and brunch now served daily from 8am.
“The Barn gives us a completely new way of using the site,” Nick said. “It’s a warm, flexible space that works just as well for a relaxed breakfast or brunch as it does for an evening meal, and it allows us to extend what we can offer throughout the day.”
The expansion has also created six new full-time and part-time jobs, reinforcing the pub’s role as a key local employer.
“Employing local people and working with local suppliers has always been at the heart of what we do,” Nick said. “Creating new jobs through this expansion and continuing to support producers across the Stroud Valleys is something we’re really proud of.”
The Old Fleece was established by Nick and Christophe in 1993 and expanded in 2006 with the addition of The Old Lodge on Minchinhampton Common, now run by Nick’s son Ollie. The family company employs more than sixty local people and continues to source high-quality ingredients from producers across the Stroud Valleys.
“We’ve been part of this area for more than thirty years, and this refurbishment sets The Old Fleece up for the future,” Nick said. “We’re excited about what comes next while staying true to the values that have guided us since the beginning.”
