Former Foundry bar and kitchen to reopen as new pub following council lease completion

A new pub is set to open in the heart of Cleethorpes as North East Lincolnshire Council secures a lease at the former Foundry site.

Amber Taverns has ambitious plans to refurbish the building as they are set to invest a significant amount into developing the site into a modern community pub.

To be called The Old Vic, a comprehensive refurbishment will see internal and external repairs and redecoration, a new bar and back bar, new toilets, new flooring, new electric and heating systems throughout, and the creation of a three-bed operator’s flat on the first floor.

Gary Roberts, operations director at Amber Taverns, said: “We believe that the great British pub should always offer great value for money and be an affordable treat for everyone.”

He added: “We would create a modern pub that is attractive and welcoming to all customers, driving day and evening footfall and helping to regenerate the area.

“We plan to name the pub ‘The Old Vic’, an acknowledgement to a former name of the premises. Our design will be modern but commemorate the history of the town with various old pictures and internal detailing. We have successfully achieved this in many other towns and cities.”

The premises will have a wide range of draught products including Cruzcampo, Birra Moretti, Guinness, John Smiths, Strongbow and a fine selection of the leading spirits and packaged beers.

The pub, which will not offer food, will show all the televised sports from Sky Sports, TNT Sports, Racing Tv and Dazn.

An external area at the rear will be home to their beer garden.

The council’s Executive Director for Place and Resources, in consultation with the portfolio holder for finance, resources and assets, has accepted the 99-year lease for the site, with a premium payment (capital receipt) of £430,000. The previous lease ended on 7 February 2023 and the site has since been vacant. This disposal will also generate an annual receipt for ground rent of £2,500.

The car park will be retained by the council, therefore allowing the opportunity to relieve car parking pressures around Cleethorpes, and as a result, will see an additional income of between £30k and £40k for car parking, subject to demand.

Councillor Stephen Harness, portfolio holder for finance, resources and assets, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to bring another business into the centre of Cleethorpes and boost the local economy. I wish Amber Taverns all the best.”