Inside revamped 17th century Salisbury pub complete with bathtub

Reece Brown 25, who already runs The Royal George in Bedwin Street only received the keys to the Anchor and Hope on Winchester Street ten days ago but invited the Journal for a behind-the-scenes look at the progress made.

Reece relied on family and friends and staff to help get the pub ready.

He said: "Everything was falling apart, there was damp, and holes in the walls so we have had to plaster the walls and paint everything."

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Harriet Kelly 25, has been appointed bar manager and the pub now has a fresh new look but there are many more changes to come including live performances and themed food. 

A professional circus performer, Reece had long anticipated bringing his skills into the pub scene and decided that circus-style events would make the Anchor and Hope offer something different.  

Reece also teaches circus skills to students and is planning the first scheduled entertainment night in August and will invite his students along to perform. 

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"At the moment, the performance will take place outside but we will have some inside too. I will have a 20ft rigging point out there. We may get a contortionist in at some point and put some black lights up and make it look a little freaky."

Lights, creative decorations and geometric patterning is just the beginning for the pub.

The bathtub at the Anchor and Hope (Image: Annette J Beveridge)

Brimming over with creative ideas, Reece also has a sound business plan. The bathtub - complete with 400 rubber ducks is Reece's fun marketing ploy and he hopes to encourage people to come and take selfies and share on Instagram. 

The pub will officially open on Friday, July 7 at 12 noon and the first circus-themed event will take place on Saturday, August 5.