Northants licensee takes on ninth pub
Dan Fisher will rename Fridays, located on Daventry High Street, to the Lion in homage to its 1930s name, the Lion & the Lamb.
It is the licensee’s third pub with Star Pubs & Bars. A joint investment of £400,000 will see the pub converted into a multifaceted venue with appealing aspects for the entire town.
The reopened pub will have a strong food offer, opening at 9am for breakfasts, coffees and cakes, with takeaway options available. Food will be served throughout the day to cater for the schedules of different residents, with meat sourced from the nearby Onley Grounds Farm.
There will be something for sports fans too, with a sports bar, with screens showing Sky and BT Sports, at the rear of the pub.
It will close at midnight during the week and 4am at weekends, with DJs and live music, making it a night-time hot spot.
Modern industrial makeover
A redecoration inside will introduce a modern industrial interior, including exposed brick walls and contemporary lighting.
Fisher said the versatility of the venue was perfect for his pub vision, which he hopes to extend to an additional six pubs.
He said: “It’s great to be taking on another pub with Star because 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 because 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 Northamptonshire micro-estate.”
Fantastic operator
Star regional operations director Paul Linton added: “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.”
