Northants-based multiple operator, Dan Fisher has taken on his third pub with Star Pubs & Bars, Fridays in Daventry, bringing his Manchester and Northants based estate to nine, which will create 30 jobs.
Located on the high street in Daventry’s new conservation area, the pub is to be renamed The Lion, a nod to the name it had in the 1930s, The Lion and the Lamb.
Fisher and Star Pubs & Bars are jointly spending £400k transforming the drinkers bar into a large town centre venue with something for everyone. It will open from 9am for eat in and take-out breakfasts and coffees and cakes, offer lunches for workers and shoppers and evening drinking and dining, morphing into a late-night venue with DJs and live music. It will close at midnight during the week and 4am on weekends.
The traditional looking venue is being given a new urban contemporary look with exposed brick walls and industrial style lighting and fixtures. The interior is being reconfigured to create three different zones – a low level coffee area at the front with comfy sofas, a casual dining area with kitchen pass and a sports bar at the rear – with big screens showing sky and BT sports throughout.
Outside there’ll be a walled garden with festoon lighting at the back with astroturf and decking, outdoor screens and seating for 25. The front of the pub will be decorated in white and grey with the new name painted on the façade.
The food at The Lion will be a mix of freshly cooked pub classics, gourmet dishes as well as ribs and homemade burgers. All the meat is being sourced from Northants based Onley Farm. Drinks will include a mix of mainstream and premium beers and ciders, cocktails, craft lagers and real ales including SIBA beers.
Fisher said, “It’s great to be taking on another pub with Star as they’re a great company to work with and have a real vision for the future of pubs. Fridays is ideal for my own plans as it’s a high-profile high street site that people talk about. Its size means it can be all things to all people from a family friendly lunch time operation to a late-night venue.
“My plan is to grow the Northamptonshire estate by another six pubs, both in villages and towns, and to leverage the successful loyalty app we have created for our Manchester pubs in our Northamptonsshire micro estate.”
Regional Operations Director, Paul Linton commented, “We’re delighted to be partnering with Dan again on this exciting venture. Dan is fantastic operator with drive and a clear strategy for growth. He opened Wedgwood in the centre of Northampton recently and is trading beyond expectation. We have every confidence he’ll do the same with The Lion and wish him well.”