Multiple operator to open sixth site following £400,000 investment

17-Jul-2018 - Last updated on 18-Jul-2018 at 11:03 GMT

Local knowledge: multiple operator Austin Whelan will open his fourth site in Croydon off the back of extensive knowledge of the area

Austin Whelan, the man behind the Irish pub chain Whelan’s, is to open a fourth Whelan’s pub in Croydon at the end of August – his sixth site in partnership with Star Pubs & Bars.

The announcement follows the opening of Kingston Whelan’s following major refurbishment.

Whelan and Star Pubs & Bars are jointly investing £400,000 to transform the Baskerville on Selsdon Road, South Croydon – which has been closed since October - into the fourth Whelan’s Irish pub in the south London borough.

Building work on the new venue got underway on 17 July and will take five weeks to complete. The new pub will contribute between eight and 10 new jobs to the local economy.

Whelan commented: “This is my fourth Whelan’s. Wherever we have opened a Whelan’s it has been an instant hit with locals. The reason is the quality of experience is fantastic. We’re offering the very best in Irish hospitality.

“Having two successful pubs in Croydon already, I know the area well. South Croydon needs a good quality affordable pub and its own entertainment spot. Whelan’s will provide that, and it will be done well.”

Star Pubs & Bars regional operations director Dugald Macer added: “We’ve worked with Austin for many years and so are delighted that he has taken on Baskervilles, as South Croydon residents need and want a great local.

“He’s very professional and has high standards for himself and his staff. This is his sixth pub with Star Pubs & Bars, two of which are Whelan’s. His Irish bars are great for bringing communities together to share conversation and enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment. Local talent is also given a boost on the back of the live music that the pubs host. It’s a win-win all round.”

The new branch of Whelan’s will offer a broad selection of wines, craft beer, Irish malt whiskey and gin on its drink menu, combined with a food menu comprising both classic pub dishes and Irish-influenced options such as steak and Guinness pie and Irish stew.

Live entertainment and sport will be a central pillar at Croydon Whelan’s, with the pub set to show a range of sport, including Gaelic Athletic Association sport such as Gaelic football and hurling, alongside more mainstream pursuits on its 16 screens. It will also offer live music three nights a week, which includes one night of traditional Irish music

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