New pub start of massive restaurant, hotel and sports bar plan
FAMILY WANT TO BRING VENUE BACK TO LIFE
A NEW pub in Brigg is the start of a massive development in the town that will include a sports bar, restaurant and hotel.
The Doghouse at The Exchange has been revamped after owners jumped at the chance to own the well known pub. After months of hard work, it’s finally ready to welcome its first punters through the doors.
Once up and running, the Hunt family will be turning their attention to the other parts of their project which will see them open around 40 hotel rooms, a sports bar and a restaurant. Alicia Hunt is hoping this is just the start of something amazing for Husband Declan and the other family members.
She explained: “It was a well known pub so we jumped at the chance to own it and restore it. It used to be known as Scruffs and we’re hoping to get it back to it’s former glory. In time, we want the complex to include hotel rooms, a restaurant and a sports bar.
“Thankfully, there wasn’t a huge amount that needed doing to it so it was pretty much ready to go, but for the other parts of the business we’ve got a fair amount to do. For example, Henry’s Sports bar needs a massive refurbishment and we will be opening that as soon as we can.
“However, the actual bar looks pretty familiar overall so it won’t be a big change from what people remember.”
Thankfully, the team are made up of experienced business men who are no strangers to hard work. Owner Shaun has all sorts of groups operating under the Hunt name, but they felt it was time to dip their toes into something new.
Alicia added: “When you’ve done as much as they have you can give anything a go. Although there’s a lot to do, things are going quite smoothly at the minute.” However, as the grand opening approaches, Alicia says the team are a mix of emotions.
“I think we’re both nervous and excited and we’re just making sure we’re ready to welcome people in now. We’re looking forward to getting it open officially now if I’m honest, even if we have thrown ourselves in at the deep end.”
The group decided to take on The Doghouse as they thought it would be a shame to let it deteriorate. “It would have been a shame to let it go, but we’ve made sure not to change too much so it’ll be similar to what it used to be. I think this is exactly what Brigg needs, a new pub that will give people an option,” says Alicia.
Looking ahead, the team are hoping to kick start their development and build upon The Dog House as soon as possible. “Depending on traders, I think the hotel will be open in February with the other bar and restaurant hopefully finished by the end of next year,” she said.