Big makeover for pub after cash injection

ASOUTHPORT pub is set to get a £361,000 facelift thanks to investment from a national pub operator.

The Shrimper in Fylde Road, Marshside, will reopen on March 29 after getting a new look and a new face behind the bar.

A £361,000 makeover came thanks to Punch, a national pub operator, which has seen the bar redecorated both inside and out with new furniture, flooring, fixtures and fittings.

The toilets are being replaced and the kitchen updated.

Outside, The Shrimper will be getting new signs and lighting and the beer garden will be enhanced including new seating, heating, lighting and attractive planting scheme.

As well as a new look, the pub will also have a new face behind the bar – Alex Machell has 17 years’ experience in the hospitality trade, mainly as a chef, but in recent years has focused on managing pubs.

The Shrimper will be the first pub he has run himself and he is looking forward to the challenge.

Alex said: “The Shrimper is ideally located at the heart of the local community and my aim is to make it the focal point of the community.

“I want it to be a place where everyone can feel comfortable, whether they are popping in for a coffee and a chat or a pint and a meal.

“I will be serving lunchtime and evening menus and plan to introduce clubs such as ‘knit and natter’ and build on the entertainment programme too.

“I can’t wait to get the doors open on 29 March and get to know everyone.”

Customers can look forward to sampling food from the new menus including a two or three-course set lunchtime offer and more hearty dishes from the evening menu.

Breakfast will be served at the weekend as well as traditional Sunday roasts.

SKY and BT Sports, Racing UK, pool, darts, poker, dominos and quiz nights will be available to keep everyone entertained.

Punch openings manager Aimee Moss said: “We’re committed to investing in our community pubs and believe that both the refurbishment and the introduction of the new food menus will create a great reputation for The Shrimper.

“Alex is an experienced publican with a passion for customer service and has some great ideas for forging relationships with existing and new customers.

“I’m sure he will make a success of his new venture.”