Springhead Music Pub Saved From Closure Leading venue's legacy continued by entrepreneurial local pub duo

The Winking Beaver Pubco today announced that they would take over the lease of the popular Springhead Music Pub, saving it from extinction. The Springhead Music Pub is an award winning hull-based music venue hosting live bands seven nights a week. Based in Hull with more than 25 years of history, it has earned its reputation as one of the best places to watch top performers, quality tribute acts as well as local musicians and entertainers, and has won many local and national awards.

Terry and Pam Kent, who took over the premier night-spot in 1990, have recently stepped down from their ownership, and are devastated to leave what they term as their 'baby'. They will today be presented with a life-time family pass by Andy Joplin and Ian Pawson, two local lads who run a Hull based pub company called The Winking Beaver.

Ian and Andy are no strangers to the pub trade, they already look after 8 pubs in the area including The Crown, The Cross Keys and the Old Zoological, and their blend of great food, entertainment and service, is complimented by a philosophy of only employing individually driven and talented managers who are from the area, and are popular with the local community. Ian told us: 'I'm a live music fan myself, and when I found out that Terry and Pam were no longer in a position to keep the Springhead going, I phoned Andy immediately to see if there was anything we could do.

We sympathise with them completely about the issues they have experienced with the smoking ban and rising costs, and although we know we'll have to work hard to keep the place buoyant, we're determined to maintain the fantastic atmosphere, culture and philosophy that Terry and Pam have put their heart and soul in to over the past 18 years.

In terms of the entertainment, it ain't broke so we won't be fixing it! We hope that customers old and new will continue to enjoy the Springhead for many years to come. " Andy said: "I couldn't believe it when I heard the news, I am sure that customers will be very sorry to see Terry and Pam go, and we look forward to seeing them on the other side of the bar as our VIP lifetime guests. Terry and Pam also plan to celebrate their Anniversary here so we would love to put on a special party for them."

The recent smoking ban has been partly blamed for the downturn in customers. The 7.3% slump in nationwide sales (source Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations) combined with other factors such as last years wet summer, competition from cheap supermarket beer and a general economic decline has meant that Licensees have had quite a battle on their hands over the past few months.

Ian told us: "We realise that the smoking ban is obviously an important factor, however we personally have faired OK and look at the future optimistically. We always make customers as comfortable as possible with provision for smokers outside, and we're also planning on introducing great food at the Springhead - something which we believe has never been done before.

We hope that the cleaner atmosphere inside will actually encourage people to come and experience the live bands and perhaps have a bite to eat too".

Ian and Andy have already appointed a local manager, Mark Naggs who is already involved with the local and national music scene and is delighted to be heading up the venue. He told us: "The Springhead is considered one of the best places to watch top performers, quality tribute acts and local musicians and entertainers. I've been coming here for years and I am a regular on the live music scene, so am absolutely ecstatic to be working here for Ian and Andy." www.springheadlive.com/

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