The Firbank, a thriving community pub on Firbank Road in Wythenshawe, Manchester, reopened on Tuesday 22nd October following a transformational investment of £200,000 from leading community pub company, Admiral Taverns. The investment has enabled the passionate licensee, Simon Delaney to enhance the pub’s offering and further cement it at the heart of the community.
The Firbank has undergone a major refurbishment both internally and externally to breathe a new lease of life into the pub. Inside, it boasts three separate spaces including the main bar area complete with a central stage and dancefloor, a sports room featuring a dartboard and pool table, as well as a cosy dining area where customers can relax and enjoy a homecooked meal.
Throughout, the pub hosts seven state-of-the-art flat screen televisions – complete with TNT and Sky Sports – as well as a brand new audio system and interactive photobooth.
Outside, the pub boasts an fantastic garden – seating up to 200 people – that can be used all year round. Offering both a covered, and open air, seating area, a 100-inch flat screen television, heaters, a children’s play area and a tiki themed installation, there is certainly something for everyone. Going forward, the licensee hopes to introduce an outdoor bar as well so that customers have easy access to refreshments.
At the helm of The Firbank is popular licensee, Simon Delaney who has been at the pub for 30years – with the reopening being the first of many anniversary celebrations. Having been born and raised in the surrounding area, Simon is a well-known community figure who brings a wealth of knowledge, insight and expertise to the pub. Over the years, the licensee has run a multitude of pubs but The Firbank was his first and remains his pride and joy to this day.
Simon Delaney, licensee at The Firbank, said: “I have truly loved every second of the last 30years and I’m over the moon to reopen The Firbank following this incredible transformation.
“Since taking over the pub, my goal has always been to create a community hub where people can eat, drink and meet and I take pride in the fact that I, along with my fantastic team and with the support of Admiral Taverns, have been able to do that. It’s been such an honour serving the local community over the last three-decades and I hope to continue making them proud as I embark on this next chapter.”
The Firbank hosts a wide range of draught beers, ciders, soft and hot drinks to ensure the pub caters to all members of the community. Known as one of the only pubs in the area to stock IrnBru and sparkling Vimto on draught, it also offers a range of premium beers and will be adding to its impressive repertoire with Cruz Campo and Inches Cider.
In addition, the pub’s much-loved food menu has been reinstated following the reopening which consists of a variety of homecooked pub classics including fish and chips, pies, burgers and more. He is also excited to reintroduce his locally renowned Sunday roasts and to continue his special Wednesday offer of three courses for just £16!
As a passionate, community-minded individual, Simon has worked tirelessly to use the pub as a tool to bring people together and support all aspects of community life. On top of the regular schedule of entertainment, which includes weekly live music and quiz evenings, as well as DJ nights every Friday and Saturday, he also runs a series of community and fundraising initiatives.
Every Thursday, The Firbank hosts a community lunch for the elderly who can come to the pub and for just £2.50 enjoy bottomless tea, coffee, sandwiches and sweet treats in the company of others. In addition, Simon is currently working on a collaboration with a local homelessness charity to provide food parcels to those currently living on the streets.
Jodie Leigh, Business Development Manager at Admiral Taverns, said: “It’s been amazing seeing Simon’s vision come to life through this refurbishment and I am absolutely delighted that this will equip him with everything he needs to continue his legacy at The Firbank.
“His passion and dedication to the pub is inspiring, not to mention his great work within the community to bring people together, and I have every faith that he will go on taking The Firbank from strength to strength for years to come. On behalf of myself and the while team at Admiral Taverns, we wish him the very best of luck for the future.”
ENDS
Admiral Taverns (“Admiral”), the UK’s number one community pub group. Headquartered in Chester; the Group operates a national estate of c.1,420 predominantly wet-led community pub. Admiral’s unique operational approach has earnt industry recognition with the Group shortlisted for both Best Community Pub Operator, and Best Leased & Tenanted Pub Company in this year’s Publican Awards, as well as winning Best Leased and Tenanted Pub Company in 2019, 2016 and 2013 and ranked highly commended as Best Community Pub Operator in 2017. The Group has also been consistently highly rated by licensees in the industry’s independent annual Tenant Track survey, exceeding the scores of all its national peers.
Media Contact: India Spencer, ispencer@houston.co.uk
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