Gateley Smithers Purslow completes £1.3m rebuild for the Tap and Run pub and restaurant

Gateley Smithers Purslow (GSP) has delivered a £1.3 million rebuild project for the Tap and Run in Upper Broughton, near Melton Mowbray, following a devastating fire. The country pub and restaurant, situated in the picturesque Vale of Belvoir, is owned by former England and Nottinghamshire cricketers Harry Gurney and Stuart Broad. The Tap and Run hit headlines after laundry ignited in a tumble dryer and set the pub ablaze in the early hours of Saturday 11 June 2022. The fire almost completely destroyed the award-winning gastropub.

With awareness of the multi-disciplinary surveying, engineering and architecture practice and its services within the industry, Harry spoke with Mike Boast, Midlands director at Gateley Smithers Purslow, on the afternoon following the fire to see if the consultancy could assist. After their initial conversation, Mike attended the site by midday on Sunday – less than 24 hours after speaking with Harry.

A multi-disciplinary approach for a full-service solution

GSP’s first task was to provide emergency disaster mitigation services to ensure that the site was safe for inspection by the forensic investigator. This saw GSP arranging the installation of signage and security fencing to protect members of the public, as well as carrying out works to ensure the building was structurally safe for entry. Once the insurance claim had been accepted, the planning and reinstatement works could begin.

Led by Mike, GSP provided full project-managed services throughout the year-long rebuild which included full design and contract administration services. The multi-disciplinary consultancy also provided architectural and planning services, civil and structural engineering solutions, cost consultancy advice and mechanical and electrical design for the building works. The project also included principal designer duties in line with The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 by validating contractors’ construction phase plans and making sure the site was a safe working environment at all times – right up to the handover of the health and safety file.

GSP provided contract administration services which saw the company take the design package from its architects and engineers and procure the works through a traditional tender process including a tender analysis upon receipt of formal tenders. The team also provided contract support for the works, including pre-contract site meetings, organising the signing of a JCT contract, certifying valuations and ensuring strict delivery of the project in terms of programme and costs. The principal contractor for all works was Tanwood Construction, based in Leicester.

Overcoming tough batting conditions

It was extremely important that GSP not only delivered the project on time and within budget but also to the high standards required by all parties involved. GSP had to ensure the cost of the works did not exceed the limit of the building’s sum insured value. Furthermore, GSP managed over £150,000 of private works in conjunction with the building’s insurance claim to support the client with additional design adjustments while the building was in a position to be reconfigured.

GSP provided heritage design services throughout the project as the building is situated within a conservation area. This meant the team had to work with specialist planners to ensure that reinstated features maintained the historic character of the building and remained sympathetic to the surrounding area.

Due to the business interruption period following the fire, GSP needed to ensure that the project kept in line with strict timescales to meet the tight completion deadline of Friday 23 June 2023. This included managing both client and insurer expectations while also juggling tough supply chain conditions driven by inflation. However, due to GSP’s strong industry connections and relationships with consultants and contractors, the team was able to deliver the project on time and within budget with minimal complications.

Rising from the ashes

GSP carried out some value engineering to ensure the reinstatement works were completed within the building’s sum insured, as well as managing a private works budget to produce a new and improved layout for the building. This included remodelling the previously redundant first-floor space to create residential accommodation and a staff room, as well as moving the main guest toilets to this area. The new ground floor layout has also met the client’s aspiration of increasing restaurant covers to comply with business planning.

The new main bar is in a more prominent position within the building and the area can seat more customers to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Continuing with other improvement works undertaken, the gastropub boasts a state-of-the-art kitchen which is now double the size. Externally, the garden and car park areas have been freshened up with new furniture, stone and planting. The building itself has new render and paint decoration to all elevations, windows and doors, as well as improvements to the original porch and conservatory structures to finish works off to the highest standards.

The project has been a positive experience for all involved allowing GSP to showcase the full range of skills and expertise they have at their disposal.

Harry Gurney, group managing director and former Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire cricketer, said: “We are so grateful for the hard work and effort put in by Mike and the Gateley Smithers Purslow team at all stages of the building’s insurance claim. They have delivered an excellent renovation, as we literally rose from the ashes, allowing us to welcome our guests back to the Tap and Run.”

Stuart Broad, co-director and former England and Nottinghamshire cricketer, added: “I’m so proud to see our doors open again and would like to thank everyone involved for the endless hard work that has gone into delivering this project.”