A thriving craft ale bar and restaurant is seeking to expand into the derelict shop next door,
Paul Fox, owner of 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, the Gastropub Kitchen Co Ltd, has applied for planning permission for the change of use of the building from a retail area and parts storage for a vehicle repair garage to a 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.
The Crafty Fox is a hit with punters
“We have a planning application currently live with Hyndburn Council with a view to extending the hospitality offering in the area due to 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 more than 20 years and we are excited to have a chance to regenerate a much-needed area to increase the offering in 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 in late 2025.”
Mr Fox used to run The Attic nightclub in Warner Street, Accrington, and had a short stint at the Hare and Hounds in Clayton-le-Moors.
He also used to work at The Three Fishes in Mitton.
He spent almost a year renovating the 170-year-old building which houses The Crafty Fox before opening the bar and restaurant, which has proved a hit with townsfolk so far.