Bury St Edmunds brewers "Green King" acquired the "Spirit" brand of pubs in the summer of 2015 and has now taken over the former "Fayre & Square" chain.

The first pub in the Fayre & Square stable opened back in 2009, and was the Rising Sun, near Macclesfield up in Cheshire.

The Rushden venue, the “Needle and Awl" including the Wacky Warehouse section, was closed on Tuesday 24th May 2016, to make way for the workmen to move in. This was to enable a complete makeover. (A previous one just over 12 months ago, cost in the region £130,000.)

Staff had been given holiday leave, and then a period of training and induction, before the re-launch which went ahead as planned for mid June 2016.

Refurbishment was carried out by "Stroods" contractors based in "Essex" and the site foreman for the project was Mr Andy Elms.

When re-opened on Wednesday 15th June 2016 the Needle & Awl became part of the 225 strong Hungry Horse chain.

The weather on the day was a mixture of mainly sunshine and just an odd shower, with a comfortable 21°C to allow alfresco dining.

Thank you to the management for giving their kind permission for allowing these photographs.