McManus Pub Company has announced a £350,000 investment to transform one of its most iconic Northampton venues, The Sir Pickering Phipps, into The Phipps, a bold, contemporary reinvention of a local institution.
Trading in Northampton for over 55 years and employing more than 200 staff across the county, McManus Pub Company has long been a cornerstone of the local hospitality scene.
The Phipps is just one of a host of venues, offering everything from the traditional pub to larger spaces that lend themselves perfectly to larger corporate events and occasions, such as weddings and Christmas parties.
MPG Events, the company’s dedicated events arm, was launched earlier this year to showcase the range of spaces and options available within the McManus Pub Company.
The Sir Pickering Phipps, on Wellingborough Road, first opened in 1998, with a touch of showbiz sparkle from Barbara Windsor, and now enters an exciting new chapter.
The extensive refurbishment combines Northampton’s rich heritage with a modern, high-energy design and offer, reflecting McManus Pub Company’s ongoing commitment to reinvesting in its estate and creating memorable experiences for today’s guests.
While the Sir Pickering name is being retired, the new identity honours its heritage and the town’s connection, whilst the updated look and feel brings The Phipps into a new era.
The redesign centres around a striking new bar, complemented by comfortable seating areas and a warm, sociable layout. The offer includes a range of crafted cocktails, premium sharing dishes and quality beers, alongside live music, DJs and a strong focus on sport, with all major events screened throughout the week.
Gary McManus, Managing Director of McManus Pub Company, said: “The Phipps represents everything we love about the modern British pub – heritage, hospitality and great times. This investment allows us to create a venue that reflects Northampton’s character while offering something fresh, vibrant and relevant for today’s customers. It’s about evolving with our community and keeping that sense of pride and fun alive.”
The refreshed concept is aimed at young adults and upwards, positioning The Phipps as Northampton’s go-to destination for sport, food and nightlife. Weekends feature live entertainment and a late-night atmosphere, while midweek brings activities such as open mic nights and quizzes. Sundays focus on a quality dining experience with The Phipps’ signature Sunday lunch.
The project has also created 15 new jobs, reinforcing McManus Pub Company’s family-run ethos, where staff and guests alike are treated as part of one big family.
The Phipps officially reopens in early December, joining McManus Pub Company’s portfolio of revitalised venues that celebrate local heritage while looking firmly to the future.
For those taking advantage of MPG Events’ corporate event spaces – at Shipmans, Brampton Halt, Thomas A Becket, The Sun Inn, The Red Lion, The Wig & Pen, The Lamport Swan and Barratts in Northamptonshire, and The Bull Hotel, The Old George in Stony Stratford – there is a range of packages available.
A Day Delegate rate of just £35 per person includes lounge meeting hire from 9am to 5pm, jugs of water and unlimited tea and coffee, bacon rolls and pastries on arrival, buff et lunch, 65” screen with HDMi input, flipchart, complimentary wifi and a dedicated meeting coordinator. For shorter meetings or events, a Morning Delegate Package (£18 per person) and an Afternoon Delegate Package (£20 per person) are available.
Tom McManus, Commercial & Operations Manager at McManus Pub Company, said: “We have a fantastic range of venues, which are all very popular, but we launched MPG Events because we think they all have more to off er than people maybe realise. Our motto is Think Differently, encouraging businesses and organisations to think about places they are already familiar with as somewhere they can use for event such as strategy days, presentations or client meetings.
“Each venue offers something different, from smaller pubs with meeting rooms and private spaces to venues like Barratts that will hold 400. There are options for private dining and buffets, with full venue hire available at some so that our guests can have the place to themselves.
“For those looking to book in the coming months we have very competitive delegate rates for full-day and half-day bookings, with all the facilities, refreshments and support with organisation that make the whole thing run smoothly.”
MPG Events currently has a referral offer for anyone referring a business. When that business books space for at least 50 people, a £50 McManus voucher will be sent to the person who referred them.
For more information about McManus Pub Company visit the website here.
To find out more about MPG Events, call 07395 375006, email events@mcmanuspub.co.uk or visit the website here.
