One of Sheffield’s most renowned pubs is reopening today after a month and a half hiatus.
Fagan’s, formerly known as The Barrel, is set to open its doors again after former Landlords Tom and Barbara Boulding poured their final pints at the end of January.
The pair took the decision to retire in September, capping off 37 years of running the famous city centre pub.
It’s future was initially in doubt before a group of nine music fans came forward to save the venue. The new owners include Artic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders, part of Sheffield’s most famous band, selling over 7,093,360 albums.
Helders is joined by Rockingham Group’s James O’Hara and James Hill in the running of the business, whilst Pulp guitarist Richard Hawley was a regular punter before its temporary closure, having a history embroiled in the city’s rich musical history.
When quizzed about why he got involved with Fagan’s, James O’Hara said: “It wasn’t really part of my plans, but Fagan’s has probably been my favourite pub in the world for the last 20 years.
“It’s an investment really, and we hope it will protect something that needs protecting.”
O’Hara and James Hill already has history in the pub industry, owning Picasso, Public and Brickhouse Social.
The only new changes to the Broad Lane pub will be the fact the kitchen will be closed, with only bar snacks to be sold, as later opening hours will prohibit the cooking of fresh food.
O’Hara and co are hoping to recover much of their old regulars, and keeping the status quo will be most important to keeping things running smoothly.
He said: “It’s the same but a bit different, and we’re looking forward to welcoming people back, as well as those who are visiting for the first time.
“It’s one of those pubs that almost feels like a sanctuary, because it’s traditional, it’s community and it needs protecting, so we don’t want to re-write too much of its history.”
Doors are open from 4pm, and with heavy snow falling, the owners have still encouraged as many people to “come down and get snowed in with a nice pint”.