Work to start on transforming "The Shrimper" in Southport

Work will start this week on a £170,000 revamp to reopen and rename a Southport pub.

The investment, at The Shrimper on Fylde Road, is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars and will see business partners Bob Roberts and Tom Rooney take on the pub.

The venue has been closed for 16 months.

To reflect The Shrimper's new direction and its local focus, the pub will be renamed The Marsh Harrier. Chosen by Roberts and Rooney, it is a nod to Marshside as well as its RSPB nature reserve and the Marsh Harriers often spotted there.

The Marsh Harrier will open in late March. Roberts will take the helm, running the pub as landlord and host, while Rooney, who works as a hospitality consultant, will provide business support.

In total, 12 new jobs will be created.

The overhaul will completely change the pub's external appearance, due to new wood cladding, paintwork and signage. An extended 108-seater alfresco area with a heated covered pergola, pretty planting and festoon lighting will finish the look. 

Roberts said: "The pub will be unrecognisable and should really enhance the centre of Marshside."

Star Pubs & Bars' area manager Phil McWilliam said: "We want to make The Marsh Harrier an asset to Marshside, and are delighted to be joining forces with Bob and Tom to bring the pub back to life. 

"They're highly experienced hospitality operators, know Marshside well and are passionate about creating a superb local. The investment will give The Marsh Harrier really broad appeal, and should attract people from Banks, Churchtown and across Southport.

Back in September the pub was going to be called The Ribble Arms.

The Ribble Arms (previously The Shrimper) is located less than 5 miles from the centre of Southport, with over 90,000 residents within a 15-minute drive radius. This pub is set to be the most stylish venue in the heart of the local community in Southport. A refreshed food menu will pair well with the quality drinks list, while the refurbished bar and dining areas will allow customers to enjoy their time at The Ribble Arms at any point of the day.

The Ribble Arms is a large, well located community pub that is situated in the beautiful seaside town of Southport. An investment by Star Pubs and Bars will bring new life to this popular pub!

The internal decor at the Ribble Arms will be refreshed to compliment it's new name and exterior. The pub is a large open space, with room for 100 covers. The kitchen will have resources and equipment added to cater to The Ribble Arms' new, premium menu. Sports fans will enjoy the pool table, darts board and live sports shown.

Externally, The Ribble Arms will have a full makeover with new signage to showcase the pub and wood cladding around the building. The beer garden will benefit from installations of a drinking pergola, decorative planters, lighting and new benches. The beer garden can fit 40 covers. There is also a car park for 30 cars.

Post refurbishment, The Ribble Arms will be the go to destination for the local community. From sports fans watching the big game, to coffee lovers looking to unwind, to couples enjoying quality time together in a cosy venue.