Ruddington can once again boast a trendy drinking venue – now a new bar called The Next Episode has opened its doors in our village.
But it’s rather MORE than a bar, since it’s been launched by The Ruddy Good Pub Company – alias Mark and Sarah Anderson from The Ruddington Arms. This is now the third outlet in their expanding hospitality empire – after they relaunched The White Lion at Bingham in 2017. After a “soft” launch with some invited guests the previous night, The Next Episode opened to everyone at 8am on Thursday 25th July.
The Dutton’s Hill premises at 6, Wilford Road will already be familiar to many – having previously been home to McArtney’s Bar & Bistro, Bar Six, Jasper’s Café and then Apotheka – before that venue closed four months’ ago. During the latest rebrand the interior has been developed further – including more upstairs space and yet another chic refurbishment – this time to reflect its new ‘Stateside’ theme.
“We’ve always wanted this to be that American style of bar – cocktails, American food and heavily influenced by music – that’s going to play a big part here” reveals Mark. “There’ll be New York hip-hop, funk and soul – which is reflected in the artwork – and we’ll have DJs on certain nights. Perhaps ‘open mic’ nights, too. I was driving home one night and the Dr. Dre track ‘The Next Episode’ came on, and I thought ‘That’s it’! It’s a good name for a bar – and it’s the next episode in Ruddington for us.”
The extensive drinks menu also includes wines, lagers and British craft beers. But Mark thinks the food offer will be key to its success – and he’ll be running the kitchen for the foreseeable future. “It’ll be an all day venue from coffee in the morning, through breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner – then cocktails, beer and wine!”
The Next Episode is open seven days a week – 8am until 5pm Monday and Tuesday, 8am until late Wednesday to Saturday, and 9am to 10pm on Sundays. So make sure you call in soon to enjoy a #RuddyGoodDayOut!
