Daventry town centre pub to create 30 job as it closes for £400k refurbishment

Fridays in High Street will reopen under new management next month and will be rebranded into The Lion, a nod to the pub's heritage having previously been called The Lion and the Lamb in the 1930s.

The new pub will be serving food; a mix of freshly cooked pub classics and gourmet dishes as well as ribs and homemade burgers, with all the meat sourced locally from Northants-based Onley Farm.

New manager Chris Taylor said: "Daventry has some great pubs and venues but is missing a place that offers something for everyone.

"We want to make The Lion the best pub in Daventry, whether you’re wanting a great breakfast, coffee and cakes, a family-friendly lunch spot or a welcoming place to eat or drink in the evening and a well-run late-night venue.

"I’ve run everything from village locals to town centre pubs, so have the breadth of experience to ensure The Lion can deliver.

"I’m looking forward to making the Lion a place that Daventry can enjoy be proud of."

The venue is being given a new urban look with exposed brick walls and industrial style lighting and fixtures.

The interior is being reconfigured to create three different zones with seating for 80. These will include a low-level coffee area at the front with comfy sofas, a casual dining area with open kitchen, and a sports bar at the rear with high tables and stools.

Big screens showing Sky and BT sports will be throughout the venue and upstairs will have live entertainment including open mic nights during the week as well as DJs and bands at weekends.

Outside will feature a walled garden with festoon lighting at the back with a mix of astroturf and decking, outdoor screens and seating for 25.

The front of the pub will be redecorated in white and grey with its new name painted on the façade.

The Lion will open from 9am for eat-in and take-out breakfasts, coffees and cakes. It will offer lunches for workers and shoppers and evening drinking and dining, morphing into a late-night venue with DJs and live music.

The pub will close at midnight during the week and 4am on weekends.

Drinks will include a mix of mainstream and premium beers and ciders, cocktails, craft lagers and real ales including Society of Independent Brewers beers.

Regional Operations Director, Paul Linton commented: "We’ve worked closely with the local conservation team and are delighted to be refurbishing The Lion, helping to improve the look of the area and give the high street somewhere different from other pubs.

"Heineken is a passionate supporter of the great British pub and is investing £20 million this year in pubs like The Lion to help them deliver excellent quality, attract customers and thrive in their communities for years to come.

"The Lion is in a great location but needed investment for its potential to be realised.

"Good food and drink, coffee and entertainment along with high standards and comfortable surroundings are what people want."