The Star visited The Blue Stoops in Dronfield ahead of its reopening this week to get a first glimpse of the pub and restaurant’s stunning £750k transformation.

Even as it awaited its final touches, the historic building already radiated charm, with quirky spaces, exposed timbers and a wood-fired pizza oven hinting at the unique experience that awaits diners and drinkers alike.

Upstairs, the pub unfolds into three distinct spaces, each with its own character.

The purple-lit “blossom” room is a chilled, dreamy retreat.

Nearby, a cosy room lined with furry blankets invites guests to sink in and relax.

The final room tells the story of the building’s deep history: mirrors reflect a stunning 16th-century plank-and-muntin wall, uncovered during the renovation.

Richard recalled the moment it was revealed: “The heritage officer was almost in tears when they saw it. The main part of the building is almost 400 years old, but this section is even older.

“Exposing the wall was a real highlight, it’s like uncovering a hidden piece of history.”

Throughout the visit, it was evident that preserving and celebrating the building’s history was central to Richard’s vision.

From the carefully restored fireplaces to the period-style windows and thoughtfully designed bathrooms, every detail honours the pub’s heritage.

The care and pride poured into each corner are unmistakable, reflecting Richard Pope’s passion for bringing the building’s story vividly to life.

“We’ve been working for the last 13 weeks to restore The Blue Stoops and bring to life the heritage of this beautiful building,” Richard told The Star.

He laughed, noting that while the actual renovation had been a whirlwind 13-week project, it had taken three years of waiting for planning permission to even get started.

“In the process, we’ve uncovered six fireplaces, one dating as far back as 1586. We’ve also exposed original timbers and uncovered a plank-and-muntin wall, which will be on display for our guests to enjoy when we open.”

Richard explained that the goal was to highlight, rather than erase, the pub’s historic character.

“We try to use reclaimed materials for walls, floors, and ceilings,” he explained.

“We go around salvage companies across the country to find careful pieces of wood to add character to the room.

“During development, we also found six different fireplaces - many were covered over, which is a crime against humanity - so we’ve exposed them,” he said.

Alongside the restored interior, is a new addition: a brand new Italian pizza oven, which takes main stage downstairs.

“It has to be from Italy,” Richard explained of the wood-fired oven.

“They have more aluminium in the clay, which reflects the heat for a more even temperature. We can make these gigantic pizzas - something The Blue Stoops has never had before.

“People can see right into the flames as they come through the front door.”

In the soft and low area downstairs, a wall of toy alpacas grab attention.

Richard explained that there is an alpaca which represents each chilled pub in his chain, and that guests can collect one for each pub they visit.

He shared stories of Hermione, the Blue Stoops’ own mascot: “She likes to help round up the other alpacas for feeding, sometimes forgetting she too is an alpaca.”

For Richard, it’s not just about food and drink, but creating a space that feels alive and welcoming.

“Our vision is for The Blue Stoops to be more than a pub. We want it to be Dronfield’s living room - a place where friends meet, families gather, and our team feels just as at home as our guests.”

In keeping with this vision, The Blue Stoops is designed for everyone.

“We are open seven days a week, lunch and evening. When you go inside, there are lots of different areas, and you can come in just for a drink, just for pizza, or a formal restaurant experience,” Richard said.

“Our menu caters to a broad audience, from those who can’t be bothered to cook to people celebrating special occasions. There’s something for everybody.”

The Blue Stoops opened its doors on Monday, ready to welcome locals into a restored heritage building that blends history and warmth in one.

From the fireplaces to the timber walls, the pub promises a visit that is as much about the atmosphere as the food.