Pub operator Austin Whelan is to open his third Whelans pub, in Kingston, this week with a fourth lined up to open in August.
The former Acorn 20 site, on 20 Richmond Road, Kingston is due to open this Friday, following a £500k investment from Whelan and Star Pubs & Bars.
Meanwhile Whelan has acquired the Baskervilles pub on Selsdon Road in South Croydon – his sixth pub with Star Pubs & Bars, and fourth to open under the Whelans Irish pub concept – with work due to start on a £400k refurbishment of the site this week.
The Croydon site will be kitted-out with cabinetry designed to look like an Irish street and outside will be painted a smart emerald green with black and gold signage.
It will serve a range of wines, craft beers, Irish malt whiskeys and gins, with the food offering to include Irish-influenced dishes such as Steak and Guinness pie, and Irish Stew, Bacon and cabbage.
Sports coverage and live entertainment will also be a major focus of the pub, which Whelan hopes will offer a real community feel.
Austin Whelan said: “This is my fourth Whelans. Wherever we have opened a Whelans it has been an instant hit with locals. The reason is the quality of experience is fantastic. We’re offering the very best in Irish hospitality.
“Having two successful pubs in Croydon already, I know the area well. South Croydon needs a good quality affordable pub and its own entertainment spot. Whelans will provide that, and it will be done well.”
Dugald Macer, regional operations director of Star Pubs & Bars, added: “This is his sixth pub with Star Pubs & Bars, two of which are Whelans (Kingston & Uxbridge) His Irish bars are great for bringing communities together to share conversation and enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment. Local talent is also given a boost on the back of the live music that the pubs host.”
Whelan also operates another Whelans in Neasden.
