Following a successful refurbishment of the Mill & Brook, Long Eaton at the end of 2017 licensee Anthony Dowling is undertaking a second transformational investment with Star Pubs & Bars at his other bar, Finnbars in Sherwood, Nottingham.
£225k is being spent on transforming the Irish sports bar into a stylish, contemporary kitchen and bar called The Crafty Teller, a reference to its new focus on craft ales and to the pub’s former incarnation as a bank.
The quirky design at The Crafty Teller will include a live moss wall on the stairs, three bookable eclectic booths, each designed with different materials and colours to create different experiences, ‘selfie walls’ for customers to take selfie photographs in front of and stepped outdoor seating to maximise space in the small courtyard.
The bar is being moved to improve the flow and space within the trading area and will incorporate a deli counter and cocktail bar. 70 covers are being created including two big sharing tables and more comfortable seating. Floor to ceiling windows at the front of the building and a glass porch will brighten up the interior.
Food is being introduced with breakfast and brunch playing a major role from 10 till 2pm. Highlights will include a full English Crafty breakfast, kedgeree, breakfast sliders with up to a dozen fillings, banana pancakes and sour dough with a choice of toppings ranging from smashed avocado to mackerel.
The lunch and dinner menus will feature traditional favourites with a twist. There will also be specialist themed food evenings based on street food from around the world with drinks to match.
Anthony Dowling, licencee of Finnbars in Sherwood, NottinghamCustomers will be able to select what to include in their sharing platters from the deli counter, as well as choose items from it to take away along with barista style coffee, cakes and sliders. Top quality locally sourced ingredients will feature prominently including meat from JT Beedham, Rick Stein’s pork hero, and sliders from Birds Bakers.
The drinks will include craft ales and ciders, premium spirits and cocktails, similar to the drinks range available at The Mill & Brook, Long Eaton.
Licensee, Anthony Dowling commented: “There are already café bars in the area and lots of new bars and restaurants opening but nothing like The Crafty Teller both in terms of its offer and its quirky design. In the daytime we’ll be catering for parents with babies as well as workers wanting somewhere for a coffee, breakfast or lunch, and in the evening the kitchen & bar will appeal to young professionals wanting a quieter place to eat and drink. The entertainment will be low key with occasional acoustic evenings.
“I have a great working relationship with Star. Having had such a positive experience working with them on last year’s refurbishment of the Mill & Brook, I was keen to do the same to Finnbars. My focus will be on that for the time being, but in time I might look to add a third bar to my portfolio.”
Alun Johnson, Star Pubs & Bars Regional Operations Director said: “Anthony has done a fantastic job at the Mill & Brook in Long Eaton, increasing turnover tenfold. Having run Finnbars for a few years, he knows the area well and what local people want and wants to bring a city centre vibe to Sherwood. We’re delighted to be working with him a second time to create a unique and quirky bar and kitchen in an up and coming area of Nottingham and wish him every success.”