A LANDLORD is set to take on a second pub after the successful transformation of her first venue.

Debbie Topping, from Widnes, became the boss of the Horse and Jockey in the town in March last year.

Since then, the pub’s sales have quadrupled after the addition of a further 170 covers outdoors and new gazebos, a cocktail area and bench seating.

It is also set to undergo a full internal refurbishment later in the year.

And the former customer service manager has now taken on the Star Inn in Lymm, with exterior alterations underway and small plates and sharer menus set to be introduced alongside a range of new drinks, wines and cocktails.

Debbie said: “Taking on a pub as we entered a lockdown and then working with the restrictions on trading forced us to adapt and so we have created a very unique and special pub for Widnes.

“Having the local knowledge has meant we could totally reposition the offer and create a great venue for everyone who just didn’t have anywhere to go.

“We now want to replicate that at The Star Inn and are really excited about its future”.

Barry Lee – business development manager at Red Oak Taverns, which owns both pubs, added: “Working with someone like Debbie is an absolute privilege.

“She knows what the customers want, and she works hard to deliver that.

“We are so impressed with what she has achieved at the pub, we are not only investing in a full internal refurbishment at the Horse and Jockey later this year but have every confidence that she will make the Star Inn a great venue to go to as well.”