Pub restoration series for More 4 fronted by Jon Richardson, brewed by Full Fat
More 4 taps Britain’s pub revival with Jon Richardson at the helm
Britain’s pub culture isn’t just about pints—it’s about place, history, and identity. Channel 4’s sister network More 4 is leaning into that story with a new Full Fat-developed format: a series built around pub restoration, fronted by comedian and presenter Jon Richardson. The show follows the revival of characterful, time-worn public houses, revealing how teams rescue buildings, refresh their purpose, and reconnect them with the communities they serve.
Richardson, known for his dry wit and meticulous eye on shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown and Meet the Richardsons, steps into a guide role that suits his on-screen persona. Expect him to balance curiosity with humor as he walks viewers through technical fixes, design debates, and the awkward realities of working with old brick, timber, and tradition.
For More 4, it fits a strategy that blends practical know-how with heart. The network has steadily invested in factual entertainment that doesn’t just show a makeover—it shows a process. Here, that means peeling back layers of paint and history to understand what made each pub important in the first place, then making it work for modern life.
Full Fat brings its factual production chops to a setting where craft matters: from restoring original signage and tiled facades to rethinking cellars and beer lines. The company’s approach typically spotlights real people doing real work, and pubs are a rich canvas—every village, town, and city has a local with stories in the floorboards.
Inside the format—and why it matters now
The series is designed to show how old pubs can thrive again without losing their soul. Each episode is expected to follow one location from first survey to that nerve-jangling reopening night, capturing the trade-offs that come with heritage buildings and tight budgets. It’s not just about a lick of paint. It’s about function, compliance, and atmosphere.
Viewers can expect episodes to tackle:
- Heritage puzzles: keeping original features—like etched glass, snug rooms, and Victorian bars—while making spaces accessible and efficient.
- The build: structural fixes, damp treatment, roof repairs, joinery, tile and stone restoration, and safe electrics and plumbing.
- The cellar: modern dispense systems, storage, ventilation, and hygiene—so the pint tastes as good as the place looks.
- Design choices: lighting that flatters timber and brass, acoustics that welcome conversation, and layouts that balance bar trade with dining.
- The business plan: from menus and local suppliers to events, guest rooms, or microbrewing—whatever keeps the doors open and the community coming back.
- Community ties: inviting locals into the process—history buffs, retired tradespeople, young volunteers—to anchor the pub in its neighborhood.
There’s a practical backdrop here. Pubs have faced rising costs, shifting drinking habits, and the long tail of pandemic disruption. Industry groups and official data have tracked a steady reduction in pub numbers over the past two decades. That’s what makes the show more than nostalgia: it looks at what real resilience and smart reinvention actually require.
The heritage angle is compelling. Many traditional pubs are listed or sit in conservation areas, which means careful planning, specialist crafts, and patience. The format can unpack why certain fixes cost what they do—why lime mortar matters in old brickwork, how sash windows are restored, or why a centuries-old timber beam needs conservation rather than replacement.
Richardson’s presence should keep the tone light without dodging the hard bits—budget shocks, planning delays, and those dreaded surprises behind a plasterboard wall. You’ll see the pros at work—builders, conservation officers, designers—and hear from the people who have kept the pub’s story alive: former landlords, long-time regulars, and neighbors who want a proper local again.
More 4’s bet is that audiences want craft, character, and stakes they can relate to. Not every British home has a thatched roof, but almost everyone understands what a great pub feels like: warm light, friendly faces, and a room that makes conversation easy. If the series captures how to build that feeling—while making the numbers stack up—it could strike a chord beyond the usual renovation crowd.
Production details like episode count and air date haven’t been announced, but the intent is clear. This is entertainment with usefulness baked in: watchable, hands-on, and rooted in places that matter. If the team gets it right, each restored pub won’t just look good on camera. It’ll have a future off-screen, too.
About Author
Hi, I'm Kieran Lockwood, a sports enthusiast with a particular passion for soccer. I love sharing my insights and opinions on the latest matches, players, and tactics. In addition to my love for the game, I also enjoy writing about TV shows, analyzing their plots and characters. My ultimate goal is to combine my two passions and become a renowned sports and entertainment writer, offering fresh perspectives on the world of soccer and television.
