An ancient Sutton Coldfield restaurant has a new owner who intends to restore it to its former splendour. Nearly a year after it closed and was boarded up, Sunny Rai has now leased the former Funky Bear in Mere Green from Thwaites.
Sunny, whose family owns a different Derby bar. The Chestnut Tree, with years of expertise in the hospitality industry, intends to restore the space to its former status as the White Lion, a classic pub. but with a few contemporary additions.
Sunny intends to return the location to its former identity as the Hoof and Feather, even though it evolved into more of a diner under the Funky Bear. Primarily a pub, but also offers a varying selection of Indian food based on the time of day.
The main bar will move back to the left side of the property, and the bar that was placed on the right will be taken down to make room for a cosy 52-seat Indian diner. The pub is also getting new herringbone wooden flooring, a new roof and new interior décor.
The renovated White Lion will serve as a sports bar with Sky Sports and TNT Sports channels that broadcast all live sports events in addition to being a pub and Indian food. Live music performances on weekends, as well as quiz and poker nights, are planned.
Two distinctive elements will serve as the new White Lion’s centre of attention. Two Pergolux glass pergola outdoor seating areas. Consider glass cabinets with retractable
They can be fully opened during the summer and will have heaters for usage in the winter. There will be two on the site: a smaller, 20-seater one in front of the building and a larger, 46-seater one in back that may be reserved for special events. There will also be seats outside.
Additionally, there will be a “Insta wall”—a space including floral arrangements, the logo of the bar, and an elegant sofa chair—where patrons may snap pictures and share them on social media. Orders can be placed at the bar, at tables with QR codes and from waiters and waitresses who will also take them.
Since the location is in the middle of a residential neighbourhood, the goal is to transform the space back into a community pub. Sunny has already gone on doors to explain his plans and make the promise that he will be a “good neighbour” in an effort to win over the neighbours.
After securing a 15-year lease, the 39-year-old, who initially expressed interest in the location in June of last year, finally received the keys to it last week. He stated, “The plans are to turn it back into the White Lion, but with Indian food on offer.” It’s going to be a family-run tavern.
“Instead of using a projector, we will have a main 100-inch screen with Sky Sports and TNT Sports.” In addition to the 65-inch screen over the hearth,
“On Friday and Saturday nights, in addition to poker and quiz nights, we’ll have bands and DJs. We’re going to reopen a classic bar in the neighbourhood.
Depending on the time of day, there will be different food offers. “We will have an Indian tapas menu during the day, along with grills and pizzas, from opening until the kitchen closes at 10 p.m.,” Sunny stated. The family menu will be available during the day from 2 to 5 p.m. Additionally, the restaurant serves real, traditional Indian food starting at 5 p.m.
Sunny added that he was excited to get going, had a personal reason for renaming the bar the White Lion, and had a soft spot for Sutton. The father of two stated: “ “I am from Derby but my cousin lives in Streetly and I have been here quite a few times and will be moving to Sutton.
“I have always loved Sutton. There’s Sutton Park here. You wouldn’t find an opportunity like this elsewhere.”
“I’m so excited! I am Sikh, and for me lions are quite symbolic of what we are. My middle name is Singh the translation is lion. The area needs a bit of heritage too and going back to the White Lion is part of that.”
The pub will create 10 new jobs when It opens. It will be open seven-days-a-week from 11am to 11pm, Sunday to Thursday and 11am to 12 midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The restaurant will be open from 5pm to 10.30pm weekdays and from 11am Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Sunny hopes the White Lion will be ready to welcome customers in August or September.
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