Lancaster pub gets £85k refurbishment

It's all change at a popular Lancaster pub which is undergoing a £85,000 refurbishment.
The new landlord of the Robert Gillow, Gareth Hennedy.The new landlord of the Robert Gillow, Gareth Hennedy.
The new landlord of the Robert Gillow, Gareth Hennedy.

Big plans are being made for the Robert Gillow, in Market Street, which has built up a strong reputation in the community.

The pub, which is owned by Hydes Brewery, is having a major refurbishment which will see the bar repositioned, revealing a hidden fireplace with a new log burner, upstairs revamped and a higher emphasis on craft beer.

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New manager Gareth Hennedy, who is taking over from Mark Cutter, is excited to bring his ideas to life.

“I am quite excited now it is starting to take shape,” said the 35-year-old who is from Lancaster.

“We will continue to be a community pub but just in a different direction, it is a business at the end of the day.

“I want to get different customers in so that it appeals to everybody.

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“We are going to continue doing music but slowed down, it is going to have a similar feel to The Sun in terms of a traditional pub.”

The bar will be to the right near the entrance and will sell 100 different bottles of craft beer, locally and from around the world, as well as other drinks.

The original sign will be kept but upstairs, which will be available to hire, will be named The Merchant Room, with more seating planned.

A theme on the maritime and shipping will be throughout the pub. A small food menu will also be created which will serve platters, sandwiches and a pork pie plank.

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The Robert Gillow is Gareth’s first venture as a general manager and he was encouraged to apply by his friends at Lancaster Brewery. He had to undergo various tests, a presentation and lengthy talks with Hydes Brewery, who are based in Manchester, before he got the job.

“It was gruelling but they wanted to make sure they got someone local with experience.

“I have lots of ideas, I’m going to be building our contacts and talk with Ben Ruth from the Lancaster Music Festival.”

Gareth’s 16 year experience as a chef and in the trade has seen him work at the Kings Arm Hotel in Lancaster, Mollys and overseas in Dubai. The Robert Gillow will open on Thursday November 17 and local singer Molly Warburton will perform.

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