Having just opened Kingston Whelans following a major refurbishment, Austin Whelan is to open a fourth Whelans in Croydon at the end of August, his sixth pub with Star Pubs & Bars.
Star Pubs & Bars and Whelan are together investing £400k transforming Baskervilles on Selsdon Road into another top quality Irish pub, which Whelan intends to become the best community pub in South Croydon.
Building work, which started today, will take will take five weeks to complete. 8-10 new jobs are being created at the pub which has been closed since October.
Like his other Whelans, the Croydon Whelan will have an interior with cabinetry designed to look like an Irish street and outside will be painted a smart emerald green with black and gold signage.
There will be a wide selection of wines, craft beer, Irish malt whiskeys and top-quality gins and good wholesome pub food including light bites at lunch and Irish-influenced dishes such as Steak and Guinness pie, Irish Stew, Bacon and cabbage, and a great Sunday roast.
Central to the Croydon Whelans will be the entertainment. The pub will show rugby, golf, racing, GAA Sport and other live Sky sport on 16 screens. It will also offer live music three nights a week, including one night of traditional Irish music, and a great Sunday night special.
Austin Whelan said: “This is my fourth Whelans. Wherever we have opened a Whelans 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. Whelans will provide that, and it will be done well.”
Dugald Macer, regional operations director of Star Pubs & Bars, said: “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 Whelans. 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.”