Fleet Street on Pudding Chare to reopen in July following major revamp

Following a nine-year closure, the Fleet Street pub formerly The Printer's Pie on Pudding Chare, is to reopen again in July as a craft ale and sports pub with weekly live entertainment.  Heineken owned Star Pubs and its new licensees, Andrew White and Michael Bray are together investing £330,000 in a complete overhaul of the derelict premises.

Building work starts on 17^th June with Fleet Street scheduled to open its doors to the public on 20^th July. 10 jobs will be created on the back of the transformation.

For Andrew White the decision to take on the lease of Fleet Street, was more than just commercial, it was personal.  Now the owner of an apprenticeship training provider for construction and traffic management industries employing 32 people, Andrew started his career in sales at The Chronicle, which was based in the same building.  The Printer’s Pie was his local and one of the busiest pubs in the city at the time.

Says Andrew: “From 19-24 I was in the Printers’ Pie every week. It was a sad day when the pub finally closed.  Our office is located in the building opposite, so when a ‘to lease’ sign was erected, my business partner Michael and I applied for the lease.  The financials added up helped by the fact that we already have inhouse infrastructure, such as HR and marketing, and so can bolt on these services for Fleet Street.  Looked at in the cold light of day, running a bar is similar to selling other products, though having a good manager is key.  We have found one in Baileigh Musgrove – who is well known locally having managed various bars in the city. Fleet Street is our first pub, but we will look to take on more in the north east if it proves to be the success we anticipate it will be.”

Funds are being spent transforming the empty shell into a contemporary rustic bar with a modern industrial vibe including timber floors, exposed brick and rustic walls with a Beavertown mural and space invaders machine.  Reclaimed factory style pendants and bulk head wall lights together with internal festoon lights and rustic tables and benches will add to the ambience.

Outside Fleet Street will be given a complete face lift, decorated in black with orange signage and a contemporary mural.

Andrew and Michael’s plans for the building include showing premier league football on TVs in the ground floor bar and in time the creation of a dedicated sports lounge on the first floor.

Fleet Street will offer barista style coffee in the day and have Wi-Fi and charging points, making it an ideal third space for people wanting to work remotely.  Light snacks such as pies and sandwiches will also be available during the day.

Entertainment will include live performances from both local singers and DJs in the region.

Says Michael: “When Andrew mentioned the lease was available, with its location and previous popularity as both Fleet Street and The Printers Pie, taking on this unique project was a no-brainer. Having DJ’d around the bars in my twenties, and having a passion for giving others opportunities, we are looking to showcase a variety of local talented artists. As well as this we will be showing a host of live sporting events and weekly themed nights which, on the whole, will bring a fresh feel to the city centre. Everyone involved is extremely excited for a reinvented Fleet Street to open its doors in July.”

Says Tammy Molson, Star Pubs Business Development Manager: “We’re delighted to be investing in Fleet Street, reopening it after nine years and helping to turn an unappealing derelict building into a vibrant local bar.  Andrew and Michael know the locality well and have a clear vision for Fleet Street, which will create a standout craft and sports bar, breathing new life into the area.”