Block winners buy NSW pub with plans to renovate

Former winners of The Block Brad and Lara Cranfield are set to roll up their sleeves for another big renovation project after buying a fixer-upper pub in NSW.

Brad quit his mining job after last year's The Block Sky High and this week started a new career as part owner of the Maryville Tavern in Newcastle.

The ex-Blockhead, whose parents were publicans, told 9 Stories he will be doing everything from running the office to pulling beers behind the bar along with his cousin and co-owner Michael.

He plans to put his budget-busting renovation skills perfected on two seasons of the gruelling reality show to use.

"It's a bit a new adventure for us," he said.

"I'm going to give the place a bit of a renovation. We're already starting to paint the outside.

"Eventually Michael will do the office and man the bar and I'll get stuck into the building work to save some money."

Brad and Lara pocketed $506,000 when they won The Block 2012, selling their South Melbourne terrace for $1.62m.

Brad then returned for the 2013 season of the show which saw him win a share in another half-a-million dollars with renovation partner Dale Vine.

While most of the prize money has gone into doing up a farm house and renovations on the family home, Brad said two seasons on The Block has helped him fulfill his dream of buying a pub.

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"I'm not going to lie, The Block's been a massive factor in achieving this," he said.

Dale has already dropped in at the Maryville pub for a meal but the pair are unlikely to rekindle their creative partnership for this project.

"I think he'd rather come and sit on the other side of the bar," Brad said.

"I’m sure this is going to be a great meeting place for lots of former Block contestants."