Historic Cleethorpes hostelry set to re-open next week with new name and new Blackpool-based ownership

Some hanging baskets (containing real flowers ) would not come amiss, but hats off to Amber Taverns for smartening up the premises no end

 

IT looks like a long-established Cleethorpes hostelry will be re-opening  its doors next week.

Blackpool-based Amber Taverns acquired the former Queen Victoria Hotel just up the road from the town's railway station last year.

Following a major refurbishment over winter, the premises - now renamed The Old Vic - are scheduled for re-opening either on Sunday or Monday.

It is not expected that any celebrity, such as Taylor Swift or David Beckham, will be cutting the ribbon.

In these straitened times, the Lancashire firm is not one for fripperies and frivolous expenditure.

Its strategy is to provide a range of popular drinks in hospitable surroundings, with televised sport for those who like to follow the action.

Says Amber's operations director, Gary Roberts: "We believe that the great British pub should always offer great value for money and be an affordable treat for everyone.

"We want to  create a modern pub that is attractive and welcoming to all customers, driving day and evening footfall and helping to regenerate the area." 

It is understood that, this weekend, staff are being given  final pre-opening training  in the run-up to the big day.  Who will place the bar order?

Most of Amber's pubs are in the Manchester area, but they do have another in Lincolnshire - The Lumley Hotel in Skegness, also close to a railway station, where they host events such as an annual scooter rally.

Prior to the changeover, the pub had most recently traded as The Foundry and, before that, O'Neills, though there were also long spells when the premises was empty.

Its previous owners, North East Lincolnshire Council,  had been considering demolition of the property to open up sea views until  Amber swooped, paying £430,000 for a 99-year lease.

Under the terms of the deal, it is understood NELC will receive an annual ground rent of £2,500 and retain the car park from which it expects to see an additional annual income of between £30,000  and £40,000.

As with the front rooms, it looks like no habitable use has been found for the top-storey space - such a shame