North West

Sun Hotel & Bar

Lancaster, Lancashire

In just three years since its launch, the Sun Hotel & Bar has established itself as one of Lancaster's leading food and drink venues. Quite a feat in a city that is reckoned to be one of the most over-pubbed in the North.

Owner Matt Jackson's goal for customers is a quality retail offering at the pub, which nestles in the shadows of Lancaster's famous castle. But the Sun is no traditional city-centre hostelry.

Adding accommodation

Matt's company C2i Ltd completely gutted the building after purchasing the freehold from a north-west brewer, creating a smart, contemporary bar dedicated to welcoming a wide cross-section of customers.

A year after the original purchase, the company acquired an adjoining shop, which provided the opportunity for extending the Sun and adding 15 en-suite bedrooms.

An impressive range of eight different cask beers, a number provided by the local Lancaster Brewery - in which C2i has a 45% stake - means the Sun has also become a noted real ale venue.

Breakfast heaven

The pub's range of home-cooked food, sourced from local suppliers, is crowned by the impressive breakfast served up every day from 7.30am. Customers can choose three different price ranges. The most expensive ,at £13, comprises 10 different items including devilled kidneys, smoked kippers, potato scones and speciality black puddings.

Matt is no stranger to success. In last year's awards, his pub, the Water Witch, was voted supreme pub of the year.

Niche products find favour

The Sun is following the Water Witch's recipe for success with a unique choice of niche beer and drinks brands.

"We do not sell the big national brands, which sets us apart from other pubs in the city," says Matt, pictured left with general manager Dominic Kiziuk.