£1m Potting Shed takes root in old town pub
ASOUTHPORT pub that recently closed will be converted into two new venues - and have a rooftop terrace.
The Sandgrounder, on Lord Street, closed last week, as it is set to undergo a £1m revamp.
The landmark pub will become Potting Shed bar and gardens on the ground floor, and FirePit Smokehouse & Sports Bar on the upper level and outdoor terrace.
Bar specialists, Ormsborough Ltd, are planning to give the building, which retains many original features of Southport’s famous wrought iron canopied street, a new double life.
The company already owns and operates three Potting Sheds in Yorkshire, with a fourth due to open soon.
It also runs two American-themed FirePit Smokehouse & Sports Bars, which opened earlier this year.
Consequently, Ormsborough Ltd aims to use the 14,000 square foot site to bring the two highly successful concepts together for the first time under one roof.
The Potting Shed bar & gardens will have a quirky outdoors-to-indoors garden theme, a variety of craft beers, cocktails and artisan spirits, and freshly homemade food.
Additionally, FirePit will have a distinctive Americana decor incorporating classic car parts, neon signage and a custom-built Airstream-style aluminium caravan for private booth dining. Its menu focuses on signature US-style dishes from an inhouse smoker and woodburning grill, and also serve an extensive selection of house cocktails, beers and spirits.
Director of Ormsborough Ltd, Allan Harper, said the company was pleased to be taking on a venue in such a wellknown location – and introducing two very different new brands to Southport’s food and drink scene. He said: “Lord Street is a great destination for shopping and leisure so when we were looking for somewhere to house our newest Potting Shed and FirePit, it was the obvious choice.
“This building has so much potential, and being able to add a roof terrace is a bonus.
“We invest heavily in our bars because we enjoy creating something different; they’re fun, they have imaginative menus and decor.”