Punters have shown their support for the man behind a popular bar by donating thousands of pounds to help him reincarnate his pub in a new location.
The Wren, a small music bar on Market Street in Stone, closed suddenly in May following a dispute between Chris Reynolds and the landlord.
Chris envisaged starting a career in something new, but strong support from customers encouraged him to take on somewhere else, signing a lease for premises on Granville Square.
The former teacher, who says he has always done things on a strict budget and is shopping around charity shops for décor for the new place, was also persuaded to set up a crowdfunding site to help cover some costs.
A total of £2,000 was raised by 73 supporters in nine days and Chris is now hopeful of opening a new version of The Wren later this month.
Customers also turned out to help Chris move furniture between his old and new venue – carrying items including tables, chairs and lamps up High Street.
He said: “Everything is being done on a minimal budget, I’ve always been like that. I don’t think building a good business is about spending lots of money on stuff, it’s about creating the right social environment and it is surprising what you can find in charity shops.
“The support has been phenomenal, even with a dedicated customer base. I was ready to do something else but the support made me go again and the crowdfunding made me realise I really can do it.”
After leaving a career teaching music and performing arts, Chris ran The Goats Head in Abbots Bromley and The Bridge Inn in Stone before opening The Wren two years ago.
Chris has always aimed to promote local produce and champion local creative talent.
He added: “Whilst opening at the end of lockdown, it made sense to use local suppliers, but that ethos has continued and it is an important one for the business.
“The next 12 months will also be focussed on promoting original music, which is a big passion of mine.”
Work on the new premises involves redecorating, building a bar and putting in a performance area, which the old venue didn’t have.
Chris already uses and promotes local suppliers such as Freedom Brewery in Abbots Bromley, Lymestone Brewery in Stone, Whitebridge Wines, in Stone, and Castletown Distillery in Newcastle-under-Lyme. But he is always happy to welcome more on board.
His new venue will open in the place of the former Charlie’s Cat Café, which moved to Eccleshall in March, as reported in Daily Focus.
