A COMMUNITY stalwart is holding a ‘Meet the New Gaffer’ launch night to celebrate his new tenancy at a Bromsgrove pub.

Anthony Theophanous, known as ‘Fat Theo’, became the manager of The Duke of York pub in Sidemoor in April.

After demonstrating his passion for the historic community pub, the Stonegate Group, which operates the pub, officially handed him the tenancy role on September 4.

Inside the venue, Anthony has converted the previous ‘snug’ into the main bar with a pool table, juke box and large screen for showing live sporting events. This bar opens out onto the beer garden and the Stonegate Group are investing a significant amount to extend and develop the outside space.

The second bar area now doubles up as an entertainment venue with a schedule of regular events. These will include an ‘Open Mic’ comedy night on the first Wednesday of every month, as well as Karaoke and DJ nights and live music sessions. This room will also become the new home of ‘Fat Theo’s Comedy Club’ – relocating to Bromsgrove in November, from its former Redditch location.

Across the two rooms customers now have a whole host of activities to get involved in, providing something for everyone with the new offerings.

The ‘Meet the New Gaffer’ launch night takes place between 7pm and 10pm on September 15.

There will be 20 per cent off all draught beers and soft drinks as well as free food, provided by supplied by Pronto Pizza.

A charity raffle will be fundraising for the Natalie Kate Moss Trust – which works to help prevent brain haemorrhages from happening and funds ground-breaking research to treat them when they do.

Raffle prizes will include drinks vouchers to spend at The Duke of York, a beauty treatment voucher, a bottle of Tattinger Champagne, and a voucher for a mascot visit from Shelly’s Treats Ltd.

Anthony said: “My dream is to transform this 1970’s-looking estate pub into a destination venue in Bromsgrove. The town needs a place that is welcoming for all and which offers a varied mix of live entertainment.”

He added: “I hope to meet lots of people from across the whole Bromsgrove community on Friday September 15, at The Duke of York launch party.”