A South Yorkshire pub and venue has upgraded its premises with funding support in a bid to increase bookings by 30 per cent in 2025.

Cubley Hall in Penistone has refurbished and enhanced its events space, bar and seating area to attract more weddings, private functions and music events; and to provide guests with new, improved facilities.

Half of the £25,000 cost for the refurbishment has been covered by a Rural Business Grant secured through Barnsley Council’s Enterprising Barnsley programme. All the work, carried out by local suppliers wherever possible, is now complete.

Its dedicated events space, The Barn, now features improved décor and flexible seating, a feature wall for displays and selfies, new professional stage lighting and a resurfaced dance floor. The pub’s main bar and conservatory area has had its décor refreshed and its seating upgraded.

Owner of Cubley Hall John Wigfield said: “The significant improvements we’ve made to our beautiful old country house venue will enable us to better meet the needs of customers, host a wider variety of events and attract more bookings.

“Like everyone in the hospitality sector, we’ve been working hard to rebuild the business after Covid and the economic pressures we’ve all faced since then. These upgrades have tackled some very stubborn, practical issues which have basically been holding us back.

“With increased flexibility in terms of layout and some tech upgrades, we can now say ‘yes’ to many more bookings. We’re ready to reboot and restore our events calendar back to pre-Covid levels.”

Cubley Hall opened in 1982, transforming a derelict country house and 4.5 acres of land into a community pub and venue. With 12 bedrooms and stunning views over South Yorkshire’s countryside, it currently hosts more than 70 weddings and parties a year; and has an established monthly folk night, featuring live bands from around the world.

Its aim is to increase wedding and party bookings to 100-plus a year and add many more UK touring bands and tribute acts to its live music calendar.

Business support advisor at Enterprising Barnsley, Rachel Fletcher, added: “Cubley Hall has built a strong business over 42 years, playing an active role in its community and gaining a UK-wide profile as a wedding and events venue. Its beautiful setting, easy access to the M1 and good transport links, means Cubley Hall competes on a regional and national level for bookings and brings new money into the local economy.

“This timely investment in the fabric of the building and its facilities is designed to help Cubley Hall flourish further, boost income and profitability, and create and sustain jobs.”

A rise in bookings and enquiries means the business has already created three new jobs and been able to provide its 60-strong workforce with more experience and opportunities for professional development.

John added: “We couldn’t have made this key investment in our business without the Rural Business Grant covering half the cost, and we couldn’t have secured that funding without Enterprising Barnsley supporting us through the application process. They were a massive help.”

Enterprising Barnsley is the business support arm of Barnsley Council and aims to help new and existing businesses across the borough develop and expand, generating economic growth and creating jobs.