Daventry MP toasts town centre pub's revival

Thirty jobs were created when the High Street pub reopened eight weeks ago and The Lion's trade has increased 15-fold.

To share in its success, the pub is donating 10p from every pint of Heineken served in December to a charity chosen by customers at the end of the month.

Mr Heaton-Harris said: "The Lion is a fantastic business and it was a pleasure to visit the pub on Friday and meet [manager] Chris Taylor and all the staff.

"It has been great to see the pub being given a new lease of life and to be exceeding all local expectations, as well as providing more than 30 jobs in the constituency.

"I would like to wish The Lion all the best for the future."

Mr Taylor said the pub has become a meeting place for people at all times of day and that now means he is looking to recruit five new kitchen staff.

"The feedback from locals has been really positive with comments like ‘there’s nothing like it in the area’ and ‘it’s brought a London feel to Daventry’," said Mr Taylor, who moved to Daventry to take the job.

"The pizzas and our huge gin selection and craft beers have proved most popular."

The Lion was renovated by Star Pubs & Bars.

"Chris and his team have done a great job creating a vibrant high street pub with broad appeal," said Paul Linton, Star Pubs & Bars regional operations director.

"Locals have given The Lion a resounding thumbs up since it opened, which is reflected in the figures, which have surpassed forecasts."