Burgeoning bars business battles through to open second venture

While hospitality businesses negotiate the tricky minefield of reopening as lockdown eases, a new Liverpool bar has embarked on the even trickier process of launching in one of the worst downturns since the Great Depression.

But leisure stalwarts Fiona and Dominic Hornsby are confident their new venture will quickly establish itself in the city’s illustrious pub culture.

Together with business partner Ian Forster they are building their own leisure brand following the launch of their first venture last June, The Bridewell, a former local lock-up that once boasted novelist Charles Dickens as a special constable.

Following their initial success, they signed up for a second city centre site early this year, just as the coronavirus pandemic was emerging.

The Denbigh Castle, in Hackins Hey, was due to open in March, but refurbishment work was halted once the lockdown was imposed.

Fiona said: “We signed the lease in February and had the finances in place, but then coronavirus happened.”

Despite trading through several recessions she said this was a scary time for everyone involved: “Nobody knew what was going to happen tomorrow.”

But they persevered, even carrying out minor refurbishments themselves while tradesmen were unable to work, and have finally got the open signs on the doors today (July 10), which has created 12 jobs.

The pub is steeped in history, in the midst of one of the most vibrant areas of the city, charting its existence back to 1815 under licensee William Williams.

The business partners, trading as Small Hands Consultancy, are keen to forge a new identity for the Denbigh Castle in its own right, while retaining its own unique story.

Fiona said: “We have recreated a traditional pub by enhancing the features in the building where we could, and have added some reclaimed artefacts to add more character.”

She added: “It will be similar, but not identical, to The Bridewell, in that we have a focus on German lager, cask and craft beer, and a vegan wine list.

“We will also have Sky Sports and BT Sport and plan to offer some social events in the future, when we have more flexibility with seating.

“The downstairs bar will be open, which helps us with social distancing.

“But, ultimately, we’re very proud to have got through this most difficult of times.”