A heritage-led refurbishment has revived a much-loved Yorkshire pub, using Bradstone’s Blended Indian Sandstone paving to restore authentic character, improve durability and create a safer, long-lasting setting for its busy beer garden.
Yorkshire pub, recently underwent a major refurbishment to restore its character and enhance its visual appeal.
A major element of the project involved revamping its exterior, with Bradstone Blended Indian Sandstone paving selected for its traditional aesthetic and durability.
Completed between spring and summer last year, the restoration improved both the appearance and long-term usability of the site. The refurbishment replaced the weathered and ageing paving around the front and rear of the building, helping to reinstate the pub’s traditional charm.
Bradstone Blended Indian Sandstone was chosen due to it being renowned for being a high-quality natural paving stone. Sourced from quarries in India, it is favoured for its subtle colour variations and lightly textured surface, with each slab featuring its own unique markings. This made it the ideal material to match with The Wharncliffe Arms’ traditional stone architecture, providing an authentic finish that could not be replicated with concrete alternatives.
Alongside its aesthetic appeal, the stone also delivers practical benefits for the pub and its customers. Its naturally slip-resistant surface and robust composition make it well suited to high-footfall areas like the pub’s beer garden.
Lee Johns, Area Sales Manager at Bradstone, said: “By choosing Bradstone Blended Indian Sandstone, the project achieved the balance between a timeless, characterful look and the performance expected of a busy venue. The stone brings genuine authenticity along with a strong, slip-resistant surface capable of withstanding daily use and the challenges of British weather. This restoration highlights the increasing value of natural materials that not only elevate the visual appeal of a site but also support long-term longevity.”
Community-led craftsmanship
The delivery of this project showcased strong regional partnerships and community-driven craftsmanship. The stone was supplied through the Penistone branch of Myers Building & Timber Supplies (a division of Myers Group) a local, family-owned company based in Huddersfield. Installation meanwhile was completed by a father-and-son team behind two local businesses — M.A. Dickinson & Sons and LMD Contracting and Tiling.
Both contractors brought extensive experience in natural stone installation, ensuring the sandstone flowed seamlessly across from the front of the pub, round the side of the pub and down the steps that lead through to the pub’s beer garden.
Mark Dickinson, director at M.A. Dickinson & Sons said: “My son and I were proud to contribute to this meaningful local restoration. The Wharncliffe Arms holds a special place in the community, so helping return it to its former glory has been incredibly rewarding. The natural stone we worked with complemented the building’s traditional style while also providing a durable, long-lasting surface that will continue to serve visitors for many years. Being involved in a project that both supports local heritage and strengthens a valued community space has been a real privilege.”
To find out more about Bradstone and its natural sandstone range, click here.
