Bar and pub operator to launch West Yorkshire venue following “dramatic” reinvention

Yorkshire based Concept Taverns is gearing up to launch the 12th venue in its rapidly expanding portfolio of bars and pubs.

The Swan Tavern is poised for a summer launch having undergone a “dramatic” £740k reinvention in the space formerly occupied by the Riverside Fox, Ripponden.

The venue will be spread across two floors and will include a games room with pool and darts, a heated beer garden and a function room that can accommodate up to 75 guests. Sports fans can catch all the Sky and BT Sports big game action across multiple 4K screens throughout the venue.

The Swan Tavern will boast a modern interior design that mixes exposed beams and brickwork with pops of colour. The design project has been overseen by Yorkshire Project Design and Build Ltd. Guests will be able to enjoy 10 draught lagers and ales, 4 cask hand pulls, creative cocktails and an expansive selection of world wines and spirits.

A menu of hand-stretched pizzas will be available, as well as a selection of sharers and small plates. The opening will create 20 new jobs, alongside the appointment of a new managing director.

Victoria Hatton will replace Ben Warren in the role, who has moved on to the position of Roxy Leisure managing director for the group’s sister company since the beginning of 2023. Victoria has had a lengthy and successful career within the hospitality industry, which began working with Concept Taverns founders at Bar 62 in Horsforth back in 2005.

She also enjoyed success working for Church Green in Cheshire, which won Restaurant of the Year in 2012, before moving on to Stockdale’s of Yorkshire. She returned to Concept Taverns in 2021 as operations manager before taking up her new position. Victoria will be one of just a small handful of female Bar Group Directors in Yorkshire.

Victoria commented: “Having been part of the Concept Taverns success story going from five to eleven venues in the past few years, I was thrilled to accept my new role as Managing Director. I’m super excited to get started and I hope my position opens the door for more women to land similar positions in the industry.

“The Swan Tavern is a fantastic venue and the building itself has a rich history in the local area. We’re looking forward to becoming a key part of the community, and with so many great pubs, bars and restaurants in the area, we know we’re in great company.’’

“The Swan will be a fantastic modern pub and will showcase an exceptional range of cask and draught beers, cocktails and some fabulous food from our pizza oven. Add to this our games room and live sports, and you have a winning venue for food, drink and entertainment.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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