Destination restaurant, The Settlement, is under new management, it was announced this week.
Former Caistor resident Trev Wright and his son Mike took over the lease of the restaurant and bar in Caistor Market Place yesterday (Monday, October 1, 2018).
It was something of a homecoming for Mr Wright senior, who moved to Caistor from Nettleton Top at the age of seven. He lived in Caistor until he was 21.
Mr Wright, who now lives in Keelby, said earlier today that he had fond memories of living at Kelsway and of his time at Caistor Primary and Caistor Yarborough Schools. His three brothers, Malcolm, Neville and Graham still live in Caistor.
Trev Wright, new joint proprietor of The Settlement, talks to the Citizen. Photograph by Jessica Wall.
“I know so many people in Caistor, especially those who used to play senior football, he said. “I was a referee and the others based at Grimsby did not always want to travel out to Caistor so I often used to come here. The Seniors haven’t played in recent years but it would be great to get a team going again.”
Mr Wright initially worked at Cherry Valley when he left school but he had a career with the NHS for more than 30 years until leaving in 2015 to set up his own consultancy business.
“The NHS is very important to me,” he said. “It’s one of our jewels in the crown.”
Mr Wright also runs an investment portfolio, mainly dealing with residential properties, many of which are local. The Settlement is the first commercial property in the portfolio.
“Mike is a beer sommelier with Molson Coors, which is the biggest brewery in Europe,” said Mr Wright. “It seemed a natural fit for him and it will largely be his baby.
“The existing staff were TUPE’d (transferred) over and we would like to take on a third chef.”
Other plans include a major refurbishment in the upstairs restaurant and to update the range of beers after a survey into popular choices was conducted among residents.
“We want to put some TLC into The Settlement and make it a focal point where people can sociallise,” said Mr Wright. “We’re not expecting to be behind the bar ourselves as such, but it’s great to be coming back to Caistor where I have so many ties. Out of everything about the project, what most excited me was coming back to a community that I know so well.”
Next door to The Settlement, there were signs today that work to transform the former NatWest Bank into a home furnishings store were very much advanced.
Builders have been working at the premises over the summer in readiness for the Pig & Poke’s coffee and gift shop to move from South Street into the former bank.
The Market Place building has a smart new frontage and has been extensively rebuilt inside. It is expected to open its doors next week.
The Pig & Poke are currently advertising for an apprentice to work five days a week at the new site. Details are available from the firm’s Facebook page.
Main image: The Settlement today alongside the the proposed new Pig & Poke coffee and gift shop. Other photographs by Jessica Wall
Looking forward to the future: Trev Wright
Best wishes in your new business. X
As customers who have given up on The Settlement, we’re keen to see if Mr Wright will be able to provide good food and service, two things that have been so lacking. Best of luck and thanks for investing in Caistor!
All the best, Trev and Mike in your new venture xoxo