Hall’s Garden Centre turn over a new leaf as they transform The Place 2B, former home of BBC newsreader Ashley Blake, into 'The Garden Room'.

Ashley Blake's shadow may still extend over The Place 2B in Chester Road, New Oscott but the old pub might still have a role to play in the local community when Robert Hall's plans come to fruition!

This weekend the first stage of the transformation takes place as The Place 2B is re-opened as 'The Garden Room'. Now owned by the neighbouring Hall's Garden Centre, it has had an internal face lift and refit that allows it to combine a new showroom for the garden centre and a much needed Coffee Shop. Frances Dodd, formerly the manageress of The Farmhouse Bistro at The Mitchell Centre has breathed new life into The Garden Room with her range of home made cakes and pastries. The Garden Room is fully licensed, so if you fancy a liqueur with your coffee, or wine with your lunch you will be pleasantly surprised by the choice on offer.

Wander away from the plush seating area and you will find Scotland's finest scented candles from Shearer's including soy wax candles and Persian lime and grapefruit home fragrance candles along with the exotic range from Terra Rossa Jordanian Oils, and Cottage Delight speciality foods including hot chilli pickle, lemon curd, apricot jam and a range of chutneys. There are also plans to retail organic food and an outdoor food market on the large car park later in the year.

Also in the pipeline for those hot summer evenings will be some mellow live jazz and time to relax. Speciality bottled beers and Champagne will be available to set the mood.

It is also rumoured that Ashley Blake is writing a book whilst he is in prison and no doubt The Place 2B will feature heavily. Should he return to the scene he will find his old haunt has definitely turned over a new leaf.

Hall’s Garden Supplies have attracted local customers from the Birmingham area for over 50 years, but the success of its popular website www.GardenSite.co.uk means it is now trading throughout the UK and into Europe.

For further detailed historical and background information contact: Simon Whitehead (partner) 0121 355 7701

Hall’s Garden Supplies,

211, Chester Road,

New Oscott,

Sutton Coldfield,

Birmingham B73 5BD

www.GardenSite.co.uk