June 5, 2017 11.27 am This story is over 80 months old

Uphill Lincoln boozer transformed into top 20 restaurant

Traditional Lincoln public house the Stags Head was taken over two years ago and has since been transformed into a vibrant gastropub. Local entrepreneur John O’Donoghue took over the Bailgate pub and has since seen the Trip Advisor rank go from 183rd to one of the top 20 restaurants in Lincoln. Operations Manager of the…

Traditional Lincoln public house the Stags Head was taken over two years ago and has since been transformed into a vibrant gastropub.

Local entrepreneur John O’Donoghue took over the Bailgate pub and has since seen the Trip Advisor rank go from 183rd to one of the top 20 restaurants in Lincoln.

Operations Manager of the Stags Head, David Nejrup said: “John was drawn to the Stags Head because of its fantastic location and the character of the building.

“There has been a Stags Head on Newport since 1883 and its exciting to be part of Lincoln’s history. Unlike a lot of restaurants in the Bailgate it has fantastic amenities such as a free car park, function space and a fantastic sun-filled garden.”

The gastropub boasts two award-winning chefs in David Kelly and Neil Johnson and Nejrup believes the staff are “writing new chapters in the Stags Head’s history books.

“We serve modern-British food with a twist, I believe we are the only place in the city to offer a 35-day aged steak and all our steaks are dry aged to 35 days using Himalayan rock salt ageing fridges.

“We guarantee you won’t find a more tender or succulent steak in the city! Our Chateaubriand is a guests’ favourite.”

Unlike most takeovers of pubs, John did not need to pump too much money into the building as it was recently renovated.

“Aesthetically we have done nothing to the venue as it saw a investment just before we took over,” said Nejrup.

“Our sole concentration has been on the food, service and building a passionate team around us.”

Nejrup said that the public’s reaction to the gastropub has been “overwhelming” and “the Facebook and trip advisor reviews obviously echo the feedback from our guests after their dinning experience.”

The Stags Head has recently changed their opening times and menu, which can be viewed on their website.