The Victoria at Lostock Hall near Preston has reopened after a five-week closure for an extensive £250,000 refurbishment by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and North West pub operator Ian Molyneux. The pub is Molyneux’s fifth leased site and his fourth with Star Pubs & Bars.
The Victoria has been given a new name as well as a new look and is now called ‘The Vic’ after its local nickname. The investment has added a live entertainment area, a new games room and a pizza oven, making The Vic the first pub in Lostock Hall to serve food for many years.
Outside the pub has been repainted and renovated with new seating and planting adding to its appearance. Disabled access has also been improved.
Inside The Vic has been completely refurbished in a contemporary style with exposed brickwork as well as new toilets, furniture and decorations reflecting its focus on sports and live music. A games room has been created complete with darts and pool, six big screens installed throughout the pub and BT Sports added alongside Sky. A dedicated performance area has also been put in so that musicians are visible from throughout the pub.
The investment includes a new pizza menu and barista coffee machine. The pub’s opening hours have been extended to 12pm and coffee and freshly made pizzas will be served throughout the day.
Molyneux’s ambition is to grow his pub group to ten leased sites. Says Molyneux, “I like the leased model. It gives stability of tenure and the benefit of a partnership with a bigger company with funds to invest in its pubs.”
Molyneux’s current sites are community locals in the North West and he plans to remain focused on this market for his future expansion. “I’m always interested in looking at pubs with potential but I’m in no rush. The group’s rate of growth will be determined by the availability of quality sites,” says Molyneux.
David Pritchard, Star Pubs & Bars Operations Director said: “The Vic is a well loved community hub and we’re delighted to have worked with Ian to give it a new lease of life. It brings together everything pub goers want from their local – a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere, excellent food and drink plus entertainment and activities – with a focus on quality throughout.”