Pubs and Bars

Warrington multiple operator takes over at third Star Pubs and Bars venue

Warrington-based multiple operator Mark Condliffe has taken on his third site with Star Pubs and Bars, The Red Lion in Moore.

Star Pubs and Bars has announced it is investing £240,000 with Condliffe and his partner, Neil Roughsledge, in the project. Work will see a “major upgrade” of the pub to create “the best outdoor space in the area”. Condliffe also runs two other Star Pubs and 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 new work in time for the May bank holiday weekend. As many as 10 new jobs will be created on the back of the investment.

Outside, the barns and south facing courtyard will be made into a 70-cover all-weather alfresco dining area. The area will feature covered pergolas with private sections, cushion covered seating, festoon lighting, a feature fire pit, heat lamps and an outdoor grill which will serve grilled chicken and meats.

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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.

Once opened, Condliffe and his team will be launching a new menu offering home-made pub classics, using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. He also intends to start offering afternoon teas.

Condliffe 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 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 and 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.”

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