Speculation grows over pub chain link to empty premises in Bispham

Calls have been made for an empty pub and restaurant in Bispham – which closed last year – to be taken on by a successful pub chain.

Although Mangiamo at The Squirrel pub and restaurant, on Bispham Road, was a much-loved venue, sadly there weren’t enough regular visitors to make the venture work out financially.

The business finally closed its doors in December and entered into liquidation in December.

With the sizeable premises now reaching the six month mark of closure, there has been much speculation locally about how it could be brought back to life – and who could afford to run it.

A lease is currently available for the property, which is listed by agents Fleurets as a “community foodhouse”.

It is described as “a space with a fully fitted catering kitchen with three large store rooms to the rear and is available by way of a new 10 year FRI (Fully Repairing & Insuring) lease at £55,000.00 per annum. “

The costs and profit margins have been discussed on social media, leading many to suggest that, in the current climate which is seeing larger, traditional pubs closing at an alarming rate, a pub chain would be the best bet.

The building is large, covering 11,679 sq ft (1,085 sq m), increasing overheads for those tasked with running it.

Among those watching with interest is Cllr Jon Bamborough, who represents Ingthorpe ward in Bispham and is no stranger to the hospitality industry.

His previous ventures have included taking on The Dickens in Cleveleys for a few years and briefly The Cedar Tavern in Blackpool, several decades ago.

He said: “It’s such a shame to see The Squirrel empty, it certainly isn’t able to serve the community like that.

“One of the challenges is that it is a big place and that makes the overheads bigger for anyone coming in. The figures look quite tough but perhaps not to the extent that some people seem to think.

“I agree that a pub chain like Wetherspoons or some other outfit that fits the remit would be a good move. I’d love to see it open again.”

The councillor, who has also helped promote the local music scene over many years, added: “For a big pub to be successful these days it needs to be more than just a pub – elements like food or live music are essential, I think.”

There was genuine excitement and hope for The Squirrel when Paul Johnson took over the reins in 2024 with the help of head of operations Eric, trainer Anne and friend Jason.

They rebranded the dining element as Mangiamo at The Squirrel – Mangiamo meaning ‘Let’s Eat!’ in Italian.

Alongside an extensive food and drinks menu, the pub underwent a refurb with a state-of-the-art beer garden, a kids zone and games room.

The investment and ambition behind the project made it look like a winner, although Mr Johnson acknowledged the scale of the challenge for an independent operator.

Previously, The Squirrel had been run for many years through a chain, with all the resources they could bring to the enterprise.

Mr Johnson said at the time: “Bear with us. We are not a multi million pound pub company, just a couple of guys who love running pubs.”

The Squirrel, which was built in 1930, was formerly a popular independent carvery and pub.

It was previously associated with the Stonehouse brand before becoming an independent venue, prior to Mr Johnson taking over.

Sadly, the venture did not work out, leaving this substantial property empty for the past six months, awaiting a new chapter.

Wetherspoons, suggested by several locals as a possible candidate, made it clear that such a venture would not suit its portfolio profile.

Company spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “We can confirm that Wetherspoon has no interest in The Squirrel pub.”