Warrington based multiple operator Mark Condliffe has taken on his third site with Star Pubs & Bars, The Red Lion in Moore. Star Pubs & Bars is investing £240,000 with Mark and his partner in the project, Neil Roughshedge, in a major upgrade of the pub to create the best outdoor space in the area.
Originally a free-trade operator with The 101 Wine Bar in Stockton Heath, Mark also runs two other successful Star Pubs & Bars sites, the Farmer’s Arms at Fearnhead and The Hatton Arms in Hatton.
The pub will be closed during the first three-weeks of the five-week refurbishment with the intention of unveiling the pub’s stunning outdoor courtyard area in time for the May bank holiday weekend. 10 new jobs will be created on the back of the investment.
Outside, the pub is being given a complete facelift with new signage and lighting and substantially increasing its outdoor space. The barns and south facing courtyard are being transformed into a stunning all-weather alfresco dining area for 70. This will feature covered pergolas with some areas portioned for private, cushion covered seating, festoon lighting, a feature fire pit, heat lamps and an outdoor grill which will serve grilled chicken and meats.
Inside, two dining areas are being created including one which can be used by walkers and people with dogs. There will be seating for a further 30 bringing the number of internal covers to 70.
The inside is being redecorated to bring the pub up to date and new carpets, tiling and toilets fitted. The furniture is also being restored and reupholstered in to create a fresher, more comfortable and welcoming environment.
Once opened, Mark and his team will be launching a new broader menu offering home-made pub classics, using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. He also intends to start offering afternoon teas.
Being local, Mark remembered the pub in its heyday 25 years ago and could see its potential. He said : “The way Heineken is investing in its pubs is good news and provided us with an opportunity to create something unique. 25 years ago, beer gardens weren’t as important as they are nowadays. Today the emphasis is on alfresco dining.
“The Red Lion is the only pub in the village. It needed investment to bring it up to date and make it more inviting. We’re turning some lovely unused barns and an outdoor area into somewhere with a real wow factor that people will drive to to experience. It will be reminiscent of a Spanish barbecue bar with a wonderful atmosphere. And, as we still have the beer garden, we will be able to offer it to local businesses to hire out for meetings and team building events as well.”
David Pritchard, regional operations director for Star Pubs & Bars said: “The investment will take the Red Lion to a new level and make it stand out from other pubs in the area.
“With all the new housing being built near Moore, there is a real need to create a local community pub where new residents and existing residents can get to know one another.
“We’ve worked with Mark and Neil for many years and so are delighted they are taking on The Red Lion as it will benefit from their combined experience. They have made a success of running town and village pubs, know the area well and have proven success of creating great pubs at the heart of the community.”