Pictured: Chris Bulaitis, managing director of Ever So
Sensible, outside the soon to open Fothergills
The former Fothergills bar and restaurant on Castle Road in
Nottingham is to be given a new lease of life thanks to the Ever So
Sensible Group.
The company, whose current Nottingham portfolio also includes
Dogma, The Castle, Bad Juju and Le Mistral Bistros, has been
announced as the new leaseholder for the site following a deal for
an undisclosed sum.
Work is now underway to transform the venue, which dates back to
1883, into a bistro-style pub ahead of a planned opening later this
month.
"I've had my eye on this site for a number of years," commented
Chris Bulaitis, managing director of Ever So Sensible. "Having The
Castle pub just a few doors away means that we're well aware of the
potential the area holds in terms of footfall. With views of
Nottingham Castle and outdoor seating areas, it's a big draw.
"The building itself is iconic in terms of architectural
heritage, having been designed by Watson Fothergill, and previous
incarnations of the site haven't always reflected that. We'll be
creating a traditional and timeless interior that respects the
building's past and we'll also be retaining the Fothergills
name.
"The ultimate aim is to create a pub with a comprehensive and
traditional drinks menu, including ales from local micro-breweries,
and an international, bistro-style food offering. We've taken time
to ensure that this will complement our current operations at The
Castle and encourage customers to visit both venues."
The Ever So Sensible Group's portfolio also includes Le Mistral
Bistros in Bakewell and Wirksworth, Derbyshire, Dogma in Lincoln
and The Marquis Wellington in Leicester.
The group has also recently acquired the Horse & Groom in
Lincoln, which opened its doors earlier this month and forms part
of an expansion plan for the company:
"We're undergoing a period of growth," explained Chris. "There
are many empty sites across the East Midlands, like the Horse &
Groom and Fothergills, that have great potential. We're actively
seeking new venues and I expect out portfolio to increase steadily
over the next 12 months.
"We're already close to securing a fantastic site just outside
of Nottingham city centre and we'll hopefully be able to announce
details of this shortly."