Social media star set to take on pub outside Derbyshire town – promising a new cocktail bar and regular events

Simon Hannigan, better known as dadthedish to his thousands of fans on social media, has confirmed that he is taking over The Marquis at Codnor – just outside the town of Ripley.

He had originally planned to open a Munch Box outlet in partnership with the pub next month, selling his popular burgers, loaded fries and chicken tenders – but has now decided to run the venue entirely.

In a post on his Facebook page, Simon said: “To cut a very long story short, we are no longer renting the kitchen at the Marquis in Ripley – because we have now taken ownership of the full premises.

“Just to clarify a few things, we will be maintaining all of the pub side, improving the quality of the drinks on offer, adding a cocktail bar and looking to add some serious functions multiple times per week.

“Locals are our first and foremost priority and we have an exciting local person scheme coming out once we are fully situated.”

Simon added that he is planning to host an open day at the pub, to allow locals to meet the team that will be taking on the venue.

He said: “We are fully aware of discussions regarding previous tenants and we want to stipulate that we are a completely new management team, looking to turn the Marquis into the venue of choice for all the fantastic people in the area.

“I’m down there tomorrow all day working behind the scenes and I will be arranging a day for any locals to come and meet myself and the rest of the team, to reassure and reignite the support I’m sure you’re all excited to give.

“If you could all please follow our new page for updates, offers, events and regular content. I’d appreciate it massively.”

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The link to the pub’s Facebook page can be found here.