The Springhead, Saved!
Most of you now know that after years of hard work, dedication and pure love of live music, Pam & Terry have now waved bye bye to The Springhead but despite rumors it is still very much open! Although the local legends have left the venue, the live music side of it hasn't as the Springhead continues to be the host of some fantastic live nights.
As Hullvibe realise a few of you may be left a little confused as to what’s going on at Springhead, we investigate to find out!
Who’s running it now?
Meet Mark Knaggs
He is the new in house manager and promotions manager. Although Mark is the in house manager, the lease has been taken over by a company called ‘Winking Beaver Pub’ – great name! Which consists of 2 local lads, Andy Joplin and Ian Pawson who already look after the likes of The Crown, The Cross Keys and The Old Zoological.
Meet Ian and Andy;
What’s going to change at The Springhead?
From the horses mouth: ‘I will be bringing music back to the springhead midweek and will range from local original unsigned acts to local and touring tribute acts, and who knows I might throw a few comedy nights in there too.’
Thumbs up for Comedy nights!
Are the live nights free?
The live nights range from £2 entry to £8 depending on the bands we have playing.
If bands are interested in playing at Springhead what should they do?
bands interested in playing at the springhead can access the new web page which is now live and ready to rock www.springheadlive.com there is a link on there to the new myspace too.
Are you holding live music on weekends only?
Mark, ‘The springhead will be opening all day everyday as for the past few months. We hope to keep things the same as they are now. Only bringing a fresh new perspective to the venue and maybe a new night for people so sink there teeth into. But, as many people say, if it aint broke don't fix it. I have however got playing and confirmed the top guns and roses act called guns 2 roses, a tribute act and the top bon jovi tribute act called the bon jovi experiance, in the uk.’ –Sounds good!
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The Winking Beaver Press release: 4th March 2008:
SPRINGHEAD MUSIC PUB SAVED FROM CLOSURE
Leading venue’s legacy continued by entrepreneurial local pub duo
The Winking Beaver Pubco today announced that they would take over the lease of the popular Springhead Music Pub, saving it from extinction. Terry and Pam Kent, who took over the premier night-spot in 1990, have recently stepped down from their ownership, and are devastated to leave what they term as their ‘baby’. They will today be presented with a life-time family pass by Andy Joplin and Ian Pawson, two local lads who run a Hull based pub company called ‘The Winking Beaver’.
Ian and Andy are no strangers to the pub trade, they already look after 8 pubs in the area including The Crown, The Cross Keys and the Old Zoological, and their blend of great food, entertainment and service, is complimented by a philosophy of only employing individually driven and talented managers who are from the area, and are popular with the local community. Ian told us: ‘I’m a live music fan myself, and when I found out that Terry and Pam were no longer in a position to keep the Springhead going, I phoned Andy immediately to see if there was anything we could do. We sympathise with them completely about the issues they have experienced with the smoking ban and rising costs, and although we know we’ll have to work hard to keep the place buoyant, we’re determined to maintain the fantastic atmosphere, culture and philosophy that Terry and Pam have put their heart and soul in to over the past 18 years. In terms of the entertainment, it ain’t broke so we won’t be fixing it! We hope that customers old and new will continue to enjoy the Springhead for many years to come. “
Andy said: “I couldn’t believe it when I heard the news, I am sure that customers will be very sorry to see Terry and Pam go, and we look forward to seeing them on the other side of the bar as our VIP lifetime guests. Terry and Pam also plan to celebrate their Anniversary here so we would love to put on a special party for them.”
The recent smoking ban has been partly blamed for the downturn in customers. The 7.3% slump in nationwide sales (source Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations) combined with other factors such as last years wet summer, competition from cheap supermarket beer and a general economic decline has meant that Licensees have had quite a battle on their hands over the past few months. Ian told us: “We realise that the smoking ban is obviously an important factor, however we personally have faired OK and look at the future optimistically. We always make customers as comfortable as possible with provision for smokers outside, and we’re also planning on introducing great food at the Springhead – something which we believe has never been done before. We hope that the cleaner atmosphere inside will actually encourage people to come and experience the live bands and perhaps have a bite to eat too”.
Ian and Andy have already appointed a local manager, Mark Naggs who is already involved with the local and national music scene and is delighted to be heading up the venue. He told us: “The Springhead is considered one of the best places to watch top performers, quality tribute acts and local musicians and entertainers. I’ve been coming here for years and I am a regular on the live music scene, so am absolutely ecstatic to be working here for Ian and Andy.”
The Winking Beaver take over the Springhead on March 5, and Pam and Terry will be awarded their life-time complimentary membership during a special presentation taking place that day at 11.am.
About the Springhead
The Springhead Music Pub is an award winning hull-based music venue hosting live bands seven nights a week. Based in Hull with more than 25 years of history, it has earned its reputation as one of the best places to watch top performers, quality tribute acts and local musicians and entertainers, and has won many local and national awards. Managed by the Winking Beaver Pub company, The Springhead offers a friendly atmosphere, great sound quality, tasty food and a late bar. Visit http://www.springheadlive.com/ for more details.
About the Winking Beaver Pub Company
The Winking Beaver Pub Company operates a number of quality pub houses in Hull. Established last year by locals Andy Joplin and Ian Pawson who have operated numerous Hull pubs for over 10 years, The Winking Beaver’s pubs all offer a blend of great food, entertainment and service, complimented by a philosophy of only employing talented managers who are native to the area and resonate with the local community. The Winking Beaver currently operate 8 pubs in Hull – The Cross Keys, The Black Prince, The Crown, The Cheese, Zoological and most recently have taken over the Springhead music pub, which is considered one of the best places in the area to experience top performers, quality tribute acts and local musicians and entertainers.
Visit The Springheads profile on Hullvibe CLICK HERE
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