Search for
Search for
Search forFrom double-top to lager-top for Phil?
Saturday, September 27, 2008, 09:40
The 13-times World Champion has expressed an interest in buying the Saggar Makers, in Burslem.
He said the pub – formerly the Marquis of Granby – was close to his heart and has held early talks about buying the venue.
The Power, who used to practise darts at the pub, said: "There's only one Saggar Makers Bottom Knocker – it is the only one in the world. And I think it's a cracker."
The opening has come as a relief to pub enthusiasts, who feared that the pub might be sold by current owner Admiral Taverns to make way for flats.
But it is far from a done deal and Phil's busy schedule means he is going to spend the next few days mulling the plan over before deciding whether to take the plunge.
He said: "I have made enquiries about buying it, but that is as far as it has gone.
"A brewery has said it will back me if I go for it."
The Saggar Makers is being sold as 'de-licensed', a measure sometimes used by pub companies to prevent neighbouring businesses losing custom. But Phil said that if he was to take over the Market Place pub – currently on the market at £300,000 – it would remain a traditional local.
The 48-year-old star said: "It is right in the centre of Burslem in the part where I was born.
"I am very, very interested in buying.
" I would just keep it as a good, old-fashioned, local, working mans' pub, a real community pub.
"I would have all the memorabilia up, but it is still in the early stages and I will have a chat about it with family over the weekend."
Potteries Pub Preservation Group spokesman Mervyn Edwards welcomed Phil's interest and said he would be the ideal person to take it over.
He pointed out The Power's success in retaining a traditional feel at his previous pub, the Cricketers Arms in Maybank, and said that the Saggar Makers was already a shrine to the darts star.
Mervyn said: "The Burslem History Club met in the back room for many years and the walls were festooned with Phil Taylor memorabilia, so he has had a connection for a good few years now.
"There is a big bar there and a big function room, which he would be able to use to its full potential.
"I think it would be a good move for Phil."
Neal Barnes, who works in Admiral Taverns' disposals section, said that the pub had been on the market for around six months.
Pub opens at Nantwich Food and Drink Festival - Page 6.
MAKE MINE A DOUBLE: Phil Taylor inside the pub.
Comment on this story