Yahoo News Stunning new restaurant and bar opens at former Granby Inn
The former Granby Inn at North Thoresby has been transformed into a new bar restaurant.
Now Venney's at the Granby is breathing fresh air into an iconic venue which has wow factor. The stunningly elegant, chic and classy restaurant caters for 105 diners and has created 27 new jobs.
Pete Venney and his wife Sara have invested heavily in opening the new roadside venue after spending the last 20 years running a successful factory hygiene business in Cleethorpes. Sara said: "It is a new venture for both of us.
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"We had thought of opening a little coffee shop. But then this came up and we thought let's go for it and think about the rest later."
Pete, who will continue with his Cleethorpes business as well said: "This is a breath of fresh air and we have not held back. We hope people will get a wow factor when they visit."
He added: "I'm glad it is up and running. It is a big sense of relief to get the project finally finished. We have had people queuing to get in and they have liked the nice, warm, family feel to the place. Everyone has loved it and we have kept prices realistic."
The transformation from the former Halfway House to Venney's at The Granby is remarkable. Everything was ripped out and begun from scratch. Even the infamous large, cheeky girls' image above the gents' urinal has gone to be replaced with tasteful, top class toilets with fresh hand towels and lotions.
Top marks are also being given by customers for the excellent quality food and the friendly service provided by 27 new staff, many from the village itself and from the Grimsby area.
The fresh Grimsby haddock from Kevin Stansfield on Grimsby docks and R&R fish supplies - along with the Tomahawk steaks - are destined to become firm favourites with diners. The meats are supplied by another local business, Swales.
Visitors are already being "blown away" by the dessert menu which is the passionate domain of Lily Cron. The 16-year-old has been nicknamed "Little Chef," learning from her father and renowned Lincolnshire chef, Ant Cron, better known as "Big Chef." He said he is focussing on a "classic British menu" for diners, building on his experience at Healing Manor, The Millhouse and The Oaklands.
"Once we get it established, the food will elevate in range and the sky is the limit. We have been given every tool available," told Ant. He is looking after a team in his kitchen, which includes commis chef, Jake Hartshorne, who is brother to bar host Liberty Hartshorne, who both hail from North Thoresby.
She is enjoying the opportunity to welcome many guests and said villagers were full of praise for the transformation for the village venue. She is learning from manager, Andy Goodhand, who said the first customers had enthusiastically welcomed the new look and quality service. "One woman visited in the morning and came back that evening for another meal," he said.
He welcomes guests from 9am. Breakfasts are served until 10.30am. Monday to Thursday Venney's closes at 11pm with last orders for food at 8pm. Friday and Saturday it is open until midnight with last food orders at 8.30pm. On Sundays food is served 9am to 9pm. Sunday lunches are from noon to 4pm.
Andy said he is proud to be serving local Docks Beers brews, along with other beers and lagers at the stunning new bar.
Venney's at The Granby has a private suite which has already hosted a 70th birthday and two baby showers. It is named the "Florence" suite after Pete's mother who shares a name with Sara's grandmother.
There is also a burger bar, overlooking the brand new patio area with tables and chairs and new landscaping.
Pete and Sara thanked all their contractors, including G.C Carpets, Paul Glover electrician, N G Upholsterer, Robbie Crouch of RC Joinery Services and Little Balloon Story for decorations. The couple are also grateful to Sara's dad, Byron Lidgard, who worked on the project with Pete.
Sara said: "It is great. It has been a lot of hard work. It is nice we can start enjoying this stage and I hope people will come and enjoy a drink and a meal and enjoy the atmosphere."
Bookings can be made through the venue website venneys.co.uk
