Historic site reborn after cash injection

A historic building has been given a new lease of life thanks to a £750,000 investment.
Hogarths Gin Palace on Clifton StreetHogarths Gin Palace on Clifton Street
Hogarths Gin Palace on Clifton Street

The former Green Parrot pub on Clifton Street in Blackpool has been closed since 2010, although it briefly re-opened as the Rouge burlesque and cabaret bar.

But the premises has now been taken over by Blackpool-based company Amber Taverns which this week re-opened the venue as part of its Hogarths brand.

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Operations director Gary Roberts said: “We are now open and trading as Hogarths Gin Palace, which is a beautifully fitted out pub with a fantastic selection of gins - all served Spanish style with garnishes.

Hogarths Gin Palace on Clifton StreetHogarths Gin Palace on Clifton Street
Hogarths Gin Palace on Clifton Street

“We work closely with brands like Brockmans, who will be one of the brands at the Gin Festival in the Tower Ballroom.

“More than £750,000 has been invested in the development with our design team Innex and local contractors T&P, and we have created four full-time and 30 part time positions.”

The venue is aimed at adults, with children not allowed in and there is no food offer.

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Prior to the Green Parrot, it has previously operated as Lionel Vinyl’s, Sunday’s, Bananas and The Mint.

Hogarths Gin Palace on Clifton StreetHogarths Gin Palace on Clifton Street
Hogarths Gin Palace on Clifton Street

But it has a historic past, opening in 1924 as a branch of Martins Bank.

The building was designed by St Annes architect Walter Wade who created a classic style frontage with four Corinthian columns supporting a pediment, built in Nelson stone.

As part of its investment, Amber Taverns has installed canopies to the front of the building and is hoping to add outdoor seating.

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The building is protected by being included in Blackpool Council’s local listings of historic structures, although it is not nationally listed.

Elaine Smith, president of Blackpool Civic Trust, said: “I am glad it’s back in use again because without investment buildings like this soon fall into disrepair.

“Although it is not nationally listed, it is on the local listings.

“This gives it some protection and illustrates it is considered to be a historical asset to the local community.”

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The investment is another boost to Clifton Street which has suffered since the former Yates’s pub burned down in 2009.

Premier Inns is expected to start work this year on a new hotel and restaurant on the site which has been vacant since Yates’s was demolished.

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