Lancaster pub landlord takes over city nightspot

Mark Cutter, landlord at The Robert Gillow and The Juke Joint and owner of the Bottle Shop has taken over the lease at The Apothecary in Penny Street.

Mr Cutter has agreed a takeover deal with former leaseholder Grant Stringer.

He said: “I was looking around for an expansion project as we wanted to take some of the Robert Gillow ideas into another venue.

“Our whole business model is based on having multiple venues. We still feel there’s a big gap in Lancaster’s night time economy for a high quality music venue that still has quality beers, wines and spirits.”

Mr Cutter said The Apothecary, formerly The Lounge, has a lot of future potential.

He said: “It seemed like the perfect opportunity really.

“We’ve taken a brand new lease with owners Trust Inns, and buying the fixtures and fittings.

“Pubs need to be places where people come together and I look round the city and see that we’re struggling to recover from the floods, blackouts, and the fire in Penny Street.

“It’s changed the feeling of the city. There’s a feeling that Lancaster needs its energy back, but I want to say that it really is open for business.

“Instead of cutting back I have the feeling that we need to grow.”

Mr Cutter said that the Apothecary would be open tonight, Thursday July 14, as normal, and that changes would be made in the near future.

He plans to introduce more craft ale, a cocktail offering “on a par with Manchester and London”, and more regular live music.

He is also looking for experienced members of staff.