New jobs created as Elland events venue undergoes major refurbishment

A Calderdale-based event venue is undergoing a ‘major’ refurbishment as begins life under new ownership.

Bertie’s in Elland is benefiting from a six-figure investment by new owner David Cooper, who acquired a majority shareholding in the business to join existing owner and executive chef director, Jon Nichols.

David, the former owner of Huddersfield-based Cooper’s Coffee, will take on the role of commercial director, overseeing investments into refurbishments, staff and services throughout the next six months.

Bertie’s has been a popular venue for black-tie dinners, charity balls, prom nights, weddings and business events for many years, and has also established an outside catering division.

Work on the property on Brook Street has already begun with the installation of a new bar into its Rennie Mackintosh function room, which will be relaunched as a Cocktail Lounge in September.

New bars also planned for its Number One Brook Street Room and banqueting room, the Crystal Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 250 people.

The business is also recruiting for seven new jobs - an event manager, three front of house staff and three ‘mixologists’.

Further plans include the addition of a roof and heating to the outside terrace area as part of the Cocktail Lounge development, and new soft furnishings throughout the venue.

David said: “Bertie’s has stood the test of time and has a strong reputation for hosting quality functions bringing people from across the country to Elland.

“My aim is to build on that and make it even better than it currently is - we want Bertie’s to be the leading events venue in Calderdale.

“As well as our refurbishment plans, we’ll also be expanding our service offering with the launch of a mixology service this summer for all our events.

“Plus, we’ll be opening our doors on Christmas Day for the first time ever with a Christmas Lunch service. We’ve many more plans like this and I’m excited to see what the future will bring as Bertie’s enters this new era.”