The Carnival Inn opened the doors for the first time on Monday 9th September 2002.
Manager Paul Dixey welcomed the first customers to the new J.D Wetherspoons pub in St Mary St, which has taken Bridgwater’s spectacular procession as its theme.
The roomy inn which was converted from the old Friarn Court Hotel and was previous to that a car showroom, features a display of paintings and photos of the carnival.
It has also provided around 50 new jobs both full and part-time for the town.
Background Info
National pub chain JD Wetherspoons bought the former Friarn Court Hotel in St Mary St in August 2001 with the aim of turning it into a pub.
The proposal followed months of behind the scenes talks, but a deal was completed with the owners of the St Mary Street property.
Wetherspoons ploughed a massive £1.5 million into the development which was to be called the Carnival Parade.
Work started on the conversion of the 5,000 sq ft hotel in March 2002.
A recruitment drive then took place to appoint managers for the pub and the 35 full and part time staff to run it.
Mr Eddie Gershon spokesman for the pub chain said:”We have an opening date of August 26 and so will be looking to recruit staff in the first couple of weeks of next month.
The Carnival Parade name will reflect the local area and the tradition of the Carnival in the town. |
