A thriving craft ale bar and restaurant is seeking to expand into the derelict shop next door. Paul Fox, owner of the The Crafty Fox in Abbey Street, Accrington, proposes to spend £150,000 on extending his premises with a view to opening the new rooms by the end of the year.
His company, he Gastropub Kitchen Co Ltd, has applied for planning permission for the change of use of the building from retail area and parts storage for vehicle repair garage to drinking establishment/restaurant. The Crafty Fox opened in 2021 with a Victorian-inspired aesthetic and field to fork menu.
Mr Fox said: “We are currently in negotiations with regard to acquiring 17-19 Abbey Street. We have a planning Application currently live with Hyndburn Council with a view to extending the hospitality offering in the area due the the major success of the Crafty Fox.
“We have built a brilliant customer base in the area and county and now require extra space. The buildings next door have been derelict for over 20 years and we are excited to have a chance in regenerating a much-needed area to increase the offering on Abbey Street and complement the bars and restaurants which have opened over the last few years.
“Accrington has always been close to my heart and we are looking forward to the future. We are looking at a private investment of more than £150,000 and hope to be open late 2025.”
Mr Fox, used to run The Attic nightclub on Warner Street, Accrington, and had a short stint at Hare and Hounds in Clayton-le-Moors. He also used to work at The Three Fishes in Mitton.
Mr Fox spent almost a year renovating 170-year-old building which houses The Crafty Fox before opening the bar and restaurant.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter LANCS LIVE NEWS and get all the biggest stories from across Lancashire direct to your inbox