New Wetherspoon's pub for North Devon
A DISUSED Barnstaple nightclub is in the process of being purchased by pub giant JD Wetherspoons to create the company's second establishment in the town.
The firm, which owns more than 730 pubs nationwide, is currently exchanging contracts on the former Funky Munky's site on the Strand, although no date has yet been set for completion.
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NEW BAR: The Funky Monkey is being sold and is set to become a new establishment for Wetherspoons.. Picture: Mike Southon No 0906-168_06
The building has been home to pubs and nightclubs for more than 30 years including Chequers, Zenaxis and the Litten Tree.
Eddie Gershon, spokesman for Wetherspoons, said: "The Panniers has been very successful for us and we have always thought the town could support two Wetherspoons establishments. It is great to have found the right site.
"At the moment the company is purchasing a lot of empty former pubs, carrying out refurbishments and opening them pretty quickly.
"We do not have a date set for opening but it will be sooner rather than later."
However, with pubs suffering heavily in the current economic climate, could the introduction of a second budget bar in the town have consequences for other local businesses?
Jean Knill, secretary of the North Devon branch of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers Association (FLVA), said: "Trade is bad enough for pubs at the moment but when you've got a big business like this selling drinks so cheaply it gives them an unfair advantage. Smaller pubs can't possibly get a discount as big as them.
"It's not right that a big company of this sort has two establishments in the same town — but what can we do?
"It is up to the pubs of Barnstaple to unite against this."
Ryan Churchward owns Claytons bar and restaurant in Cross Street . He has also recently opened his second bar, the White Horse on Boutport Street.
Ryan believes that a second Wetherspoon's in the town would be "the worst thing that could possibly happen in a recession".
He said: "I've been following their progress carefully over the past two years and I believe the bar in question will end up being a Lloyds establishment — meaning it will have a DJ booth, music, dance floor and screens for sports matches.
"While they won't compete with Claytons on food, they will certainly clean up on the weekend drinking trade. I think all competition is good but if this goes ahead it could have massive implications for local pubs."
Mike Deakin, owner of the Venue nightclub on the Strand, said: "I think this is fantastic news.
"Wetherspoons are a professional operation who are great at what they do and I for one am happy that they are investing in the town.
"There have been many failed attempts to revive the Strand but this could be the catalyst."
Wetherspoons spokesman Eddie said that, although the company was unsure if the new bar would become a Lloyd's pub, there is a possibility it could be.
He added: "It would be naive of us to say that (the new pub) won't have any effect on the town.
"We are investing in the town and providing new jobs. Ultimately it is about choice — we are in competition with other pubs in the area.
"Price, food, a wide range of real ales and wheelchair access are all relevant to our customers. People will have to decide where it is they want to drink."
6 Comments
by anonn, barnstaple
Wednesday, September 23 2009, 8:17PM
“I think another Wetherspoons is an excellent idea. It is not uncommon to have more than one wetherspoons in a town. We have found them a welcome sight when travelling around England. I can sympathise with the local pubs but good value for an evening out is hard to find in town. If we had to rely on local pubs, we couldnt afford to go out. Wetherspoons even sell excellent value tea and coffee, made to your own taste. The manager is always helpful and friendly. Sorry local pubs, but when a company gives such good value to customers, dont hold them back, try to meet your own customers half way, even make better coffees and bring your prices down.”
by steven jefferies, bideford/barnstaple
Monday, September 07 2009, 3:23PM
“why put another place of the same in barnstaple,its bad enough every nightclub and pub in the street is all copying each other style wise with the same music,layouts ect anyway,about time we had some young blood and new ideas to make the town better with more variety not more of the same old places we already have,out with old and in with the new,we want to move forwards as a town not motionless,thank you for your time”
by Andy, Barnstaple
Wednesday, August 26 2009, 12:23PM
“to quote Mike Deakin, owner of the Venue nightclub on the Strand, said: "I think this is fantastic news."There have been many failed attempts to revive the Strand but this could be the catalyst."
Why in the HELL doesn't Mr Deakin then do something about the eyesore that is next to the Venue??? after all he owns that as well doens't he?”
by verity, Bickington
Friday, August 21 2009, 7:22PM
“As a retired publican formerly of Barnstraple town centre I am absolutely delighted for a Weatherspoons to be sited on the strand. When I came to Barnstaple in the late 1980's the classiest pub in town was to be found in the Strand but for years it has been boarded and an eyesore, perhaps someone will think to breath new life into that large building too. Cheers.”
by dave, barnstaple
Monday, July 06 2009, 3:32PM
“i think you will find that barnstaple has never had fewer pubs,so returning this site back to a pub/nightclub is good for the town,especially a competitive one.The landlords that are moaning about it are charging nearly £3 a pint so they need to get competitive themselves”
by John, barnstaple
Saturday, July 04 2009, 2:47AM
“Why the hell would u want another weatherspoons in barnstaple, of course mikes happy its right next door to his club!! theres far too many pubs in barnstaple already and as you say it is going to have a dramatic effect on the other pubs in the area that have been here for years! crazy.”