It’s new… it’s exciting… and it worth screaming about. That’s the new look of Derby pub and club, The Friary, due to re-open later this week.
The pub on Friar Gate, which is named after the Dominican Friary of 1238 that was founded on the site, is getting a new year makeover which will see it transformed from top to toe making it almost unrecognisable to local residents and students.
During the 10-day, £200,000 refit the existing multi-coloured décor and illuminated sign will be banished in favour of a new contemporary black and white colour scheme and modern pictorial pub sign. Contemporary new furniture, eclectic lighting and striking imagery of famous Derby faces such as Brian Clough and the Derby County players will bring the pub to life. It’s hugely popular Scream nightclub is not to be left out either as it will benefit from a new dance floor and upgraded lighting and multimedia music system.
The pub, operated by Stonegate Pub Company and situated in the former 18th Century redbrick Friary building, will swing open its doors again on Saturday 21 January from 5pm giving away a free drink to the first 100 customers to arrive before 6pm. Customers arriving before 7pm will also be treated to complimentary pizzas from the pub’s new homemade stonebaked pizza menu.
Keen to show off the new look of the pub, manager Mark Boulter said, “What a great start to 2012 for The Friary. Both the pub and its Scream nightclub are being totally refreshed. From the décor to the brand new toilets our customer will see quite a difference. We’ve been one Derby’s best loved pubs and clubs for years but we’re not complacent. Whilst all the builders and decorators are in and the changes are being made we will be using the time wisely to give extra training to the team so our customers experience just gets better.
“Some of our biggest and best club nights will stay like Noughty Fridays and Saturday’s Grand Fromage and we’ll be bringing in some new ones too. We’ve always worked hard to create a brilliant atmosphere, a fun night out but in a safe and legal environment. We’re proud of that reputation and have every intention of building on that.”
The pub will re-open with a stable of superb value for money deals from Yellow Mondays – selected dishes on the menu for £2.49 – to two for £5 cocktail night on Tuesdays. Customers can get two main meals for just £7 all day every day whilst drinks can be discounted with Scream’s Yellow Card (available at www.screampubs.co.uk or via app).
2012 is set to be a monster year for sport and with 4 big screens and several plasmas TVs showing SKY Sports and ESPN it will be a big focus for The Friary. Beer and burger deals will run all day every day on the new enhanced menu.