The last pub standing on a Liverpool estate is set to undergo a £260,000 transformation.
James Nolan was 22 years old when he took over The Deysbrook in West Derby. The pub had been empty for 18 months but with the help of his family and a loyal team of staff, James managed to bring it back to life.
Since then, James, now aged 30, has watched as other pubs on the estate have sadly closed down around him and The Deysbrook is now the last one left.
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Despite the challenges the last few years have presented, James believes the entertainment is a key part of the pub's success as the team manage to cater for all ages and welcome feedback from locals.
The team is now keen to build on this success by carrying out a major refurbishment with investment from James and Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars.
James told the ECHO: "I just feel like at the moment no one is travelling into town, everyone would rather stay local. I want to give everyone the experience now they get in town at the local.
"I just feel like if I invest into the site now, while it is still busy - I'm not going to talk it down, I haven't seen a decline in trade yet because of the cost of living but I do think it's coming. I'm thinking before it comes, let's try and do something about it.
"It's a massive, massive risk I'm taking but I've just got that feeling inside me 'it will work.'"
The refurbishment will update the Deysbrook's dated interior to make it more modern and comfortable. It will also include an extension to double the capacity for the function room to accommodate 200 people and give it an updated look.
The function room is currently hired out for free by James and is a popular venue for occasions like christenings and birthdays. This extra space will enable James to put on ticketed events such as tribute bands and Motown nights.
James said: "It's a really busy site now. I keep entertainment fresh, young as well as catering for older people.
"I'm going to put comedy nights on, tribute acts, I want to do hypnotist nights - stuff like that. We're going to get an extra 100 seats in our function room from this extension so I can do ticketed events.
"I'm not going to do expensive ticketed events, I'm going to do £5 ticketed events that will attract people and give people the reason to stay local and come to the local, and they won't need to go to town.
"I'm taking the risk. Some people are telling me I'm mad but I honestly think it's the right thing to do at the right time.
"It's not just pubs, I think any business should be thinking outside of the box now because I feel like it's either put up a fight or just give up and I'm not willing just to lose when I've worked that hard for that many years because of the cost of living crisis, not a chance. I won't let it defeat me."
James is determined to minimise disruption for his regulars and keep the pub open as much as possible during the works. Building work starts on the extension on October 17, with the whole pub closing on November 4 and reopening on November 25.
Charlie Gale, Investment Manager for Star Pubs & Bars in Liverpool, said: “James has put his heart and soul into turning round The Deysbrook. It is an asset to the community. We’re delighted to be backing him with his latest plans. It will be a top-class local when the work is completed. We’ll work flat out to get the doors open for the run up to Christmas.”
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