Weddings on the dockside could be a regular sight if the new landlord of Dr Foster’s in Gloucester sees his plans go ahead.
Ross Nicholl and his wife Hayley have taken on a three-year lease for the celebrated venue overlooking the Main Basin that has been closed for nearly two years because of Covid.
The couple run an events and weddings business called Generation Events and were seriously impacted by the health crisis, though with the ending of restrictions they are now ‘ridiculously busy’. Ross is also director of The Club at Tuffley Park.
Speaking to Punchline Gloucester about the new venture, Ross Nicholl said: “It is very exciting. Brilliant venue, right location with lots of potential.”
He wants to ‘bring it to life’ with live music and Sky Sports. They also plan to get the 10,000 square foot venue licensed for marriage ceremonies, as The Club already is.
“It’s what we specialise in and nobody else is doing it down there. It will be a great place to get married,” he said.
The couple hope to have Dr Foster’s open in the first week of March. It will be one of the first pubs to serve the new Thatcher’s Fusion infused cider.
Ross said: “The last 18 months has been a huge challenge for us with businesses being closed but as soon as restrictions lifted, we had a huge surge in customers. Now we’re really looking forward to opening this great Gloucester venue again.”
The pub is owned by Dawn Melvin, a councillor in Westgate, on a 200-year lease. She owns Absolutely Publishing and Media, the Philpotts warehouse and the land between there and Merchants Quay.
Dawn said: “I’m over the moon it’s reopening. It really is the best pub in Gloucester and very much a family place.”