More details on new micropub planned for Carleton

A new micropub planned for Carelton will have an ‘old-style London pub theme’ and possibly serve Jeremy Clarkson’s range of lagers.

Those are some of the proposals for Churchills, a new licensed premises expected to be open in the middle of next year.

The new bar is earmarked for the front part of the H Wood French Polishers building, on the corner of Blackpool Road and Poulton Rad.

The French polishers business will continue to operate but relocate to the rear of the building.

A premises licence has already been granted for the enterprise, which is now awaiting planning permission from Wyre Council.

The venture is the dream project of Garfield Hession, who owns the nearby Suda Thai Restaurant/Takeaway in Carleton, and his partner Barbar Bentley.

Garfield said: “Barbara will be managing the day-to-day operation of Churchills. She has owned and worked in Bentleys Nail & Beauty Salon, Thornton, for the past thirteen years and is now more than ready for a new challenge.

“Owning Suda Thai Restaurant/Takeaway in Carleton and being neighbours of Woods French Polishers, I was approached by Graham and Ian Wood, approximately twelve months ago, to see if I would be interested in taking over their premises.

“The reason for this was due to them scaling down the retail side of their business. They are continuing their main Upholstery and French Polishing business from premises to the rear of their existing shop.

“Therefore, with Barbara previously having run pubs in London, all the new housing developments arising in Carleton & Norcross along with us living within close proximity to the location, it seemed an ideal opportunity which was far too good to miss.”

The venue itself will have an old-style London pub theme with traditional hard-wood bar, brass handles, dark-wood wall-panelling and a mixture of fixed leather seating and high tables and chairs.

It is also hoped to accommodate a log-burner, which will be situated within the pub’s dog friendly area.

See-through cellar

Garfield said: “As a special feature, we will be having a glass partition, through which you will be able to see the workings of our cellar. At the front, we will be having lush hanging baskets and our retractable doors will open fully so customers can sit on our westerly facing forecourt and enjoy our varied drinks menu in the sun.

“Although we will not be serving food at the outset we will be introducing a menu a little further down the line. The contents of which will remain secret for the time being!

“In regard to the beers, we will be serving some cask-ales, sourced from local breweries and we are currently exploring Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone range of lagers, as we want to offer something slightly different.

“We will also be stocking a range of Prosecco, Champagnes and fine wines and in the upcoming months will be tapping into the knowledge of local connoisseurs for recommendations.

“Barbara’s complete focus will be on customer service and this will be the foundation upon which the business is built. We aim to provide a high-end experience at reasonable prices and are extremely excited to be part of Carleton’s burgeoning night time economy.

“We feel that The Castle Gardens, Suda Thai, the newly opened cafe bar Gilberts and Churchills will compliment each other tremendously. Having just submitted our planning application we have been advised that this could take up to three months. Once granted our friend Sean Hutchinson from Hutchinson Construction will be completing the building works and progressing the project.”