A new Irish pub is set to take over the ex-TGI Fridays premises on Lincoln’s busy High Street. Katie O’Brien’s, which prides itself in offering a small slice of Ireland right here at home, has lodged a new licensing application. The pub pledges to provide fantastic fun, live entertainment, and premium quality beer. The past occupant, American food chain TGI Fridays, shut its doors for good last autumn during a nationwide closure of 35 branches due to administration.
The proposed pub will inject vitality back into the vacant location, with proposed operating hours from 10am to 2am, seven days a week. The spot, nestled at the vibrant crossroads of High Street and Clasketgate, has been previously home to Carluccio’s Italian restaurant, the Lamb, and Flag pub, and LN2 bar.
A notice clearly displayed in the window communicates the permanent closure of TGI Fridays, whilst another license application notice calls for written comment by the 9th of May, 2025. The downfall of TGI Fridays is indicative of the larger struggle faced by the casual dining industry in the wake of the Covid pandemic, combined with the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Although a rescue deal managed to save 51 TGI Friday’s locations, sadly the Lincoln branch was not among the lucky ones. Julie McEwan, TGI Fridays UK CEO, expressed her thanks for the support shown during the difficult times, also reinforcing the brand’s dedication to offering cost-effective dining experiences.
This article was derived from an original piece on www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk by The Lincoln Post.
