Drinkers happy after revamped pub opens
A PUB once branded 'one of the worst in Stoke-on-Trent', has reopened after a £200,000 refurbishment.
Shropshire-based Caldmore Taverns has invested in the former Foaming Tankard, in Fenton.
The Victoria Road venue, below, is now called Darcy's and reopened over the weekend after an eight-month closure.
Improvement works included moving the 19th century bar to unblock a window. Stairs to the cellar and the first floor were also removed to create more floor space.
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Former landlord Gary Fullerton is back as licensee just months after being handed an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court for setting his dog on a customer who refused to leave the Foaming Tankard last year.
Mr Fullerton was also ordered to pay victim Jordan Ratcliffe £500 compensation.
The 52-year-old has told The Sentinel previously that the Foaming Tankard was in the top five worst pubs in Stoke-on-Trent when he started working there in 2008.
Mr Fullerton said: "The new venue is so light now, where before it was dark and dinghy.
"We really want to turn this into a family pub so we've reclaimed a lot of the older parts of the building to try to get back to its roots."
Other improvements include the introduction of oak floorboards from upstairs, and an old pew and a working grandfather clock.
The pub chain has also tidied up the outdoor area and installed disabled toilets.
The freehold pub closed in November and work began on the refurbishment in January.
Caldmore Taverns wants to turn the pub into a hub for the community.
Mr Fullerton added: "There's no denying this pub has had its ups and downs but this is a new beginning for it.
"Our opening night was a real success with lots of new groups of people coming in and giving us great feedback."
Mr Fullerton hopes to offer bar snacks and evening meals, including themed dining experiences at weekends.
He added: "We now feel like a local pub and we're ready to welcome back our neighbours."
Drinkers have welcomed their new-look pub.
Regular Ian Jones, aged 42, said: "This used to be a real drinkers' pub but that's changed now.
"It feels like it could become the best pub in Fenton."
Jeff Boon, aged 55, who has been drinking at the venue for more than 10 years, said: "It was very rough before but this looks fantastic and I hope it does really well."
Comments
by Lammy55
Thursday, June 21 2012, 8:56PM
“by lagu2
If you write any comments about my dog I will have your comments struck off”
by Lammy55
Thursday, June 21 2012, 8:55PM
“by lagu2.
Why shouldn't he have a chance, it's people like you who are so stick up do not want to give people who want to change their lives.
Anyway he paid his dues, and the brewery was happy with him before, so what's your problem.
He set his dog on the customer not him.
Was the customer being abusive, if Gary had phoned the police the customer might have legged it, so I say good luck to him.”
by Pantofola
Thursday, June 21 2012, 5:26PM
“I wish Gary all the best with his new pub.
Gary, please do not let the scum in who spolt it before otherwise it will be shut within 6 months again.
Good Luck.”
by bigmouth666
Thursday, June 21 2012, 6:33AM
“I hope it works. Why sould the same old idiots go back, just ban the brainless b**gers and go for a new kind of people useing the place. Set your trading times and if you have any problems with the scum, ring the police. I would think most have police records and a night in the cells won't do them any harm. Anyway, looks like a nice job there and I'll nip in next time I'm down that way.”
by bobentilee
Thursday, June 21 2012, 1:18AM
“19th century bar the bar was moved from where it is now to the window in the late ninetys when herbie was landlord when it was a pub”
by yamerama
Wednesday, June 20 2012, 11:38PM
“What with the pew, the clock, and the window I can't see how it could fail. And 'themed dining experiences' too - well you can't knock the guy's enthusiasm, can you? Good luck mate, and don't feed the dog till everyone's gone home.”
by bigmouth666
Wednesday, June 20 2012, 10:25PM
“As the dog returned to. That's what needed, "get out of my pub or I'll set the dog on you". Marvalus.”
by E_D_Wivens
Wednesday, June 20 2012, 8:44PM
“"I have to say that Lady Alberus and I just have to give it a try."
You simply must come round to Wivens Mansions afterwards for bridge and a g & t, and let us know how you fared with the ordinary people. I've been having tremendous fun throwing hot pennies to working-class children in the streets, as we drive by...”
by omargord
Wednesday, June 20 2012, 8:32PM
“as a former fentononian of 30 years its sad to say that the previous comments are right - you may after all be able to polish a **** and make the place look great however you cannot change who drinks there - unless he's prepared to bar all the previous troublemakers and therefore make less profit at a time when pubs are shutting at a rapid rate - can he afford to?
and as for -"Why has a landlord who has a criminal conviction been allowed to hold another licence ?" breweries have trouble getting anyone to take on pubs especialy ones with a bad rep, they charge stupid rents and unless its a free house they cripple the landlord with beer prices, so beggars cant be choosers.”
by Alberus
Wednesday, June 20 2012, 2:28PM
“My word, Darcy's! that's a posh name, really upmarket that is. "Foaming Quart" was so working class, I always thought. I have to say that Lady Alberus and I just have to give it a try. That interior shot looks like something Lady A was telling me about when she was in Kensington the other day, staying in our pied a terre. I shall make a reservation this very evening, as soon as I can find the online menu. I do hope they have one up and running. It's so tiring to send staff down in person.”