TWO iconic venues at the ‘heart’ of Warrington’s music scene are searching for a new owner to take on the lease and help continue their decades of legacy.

Bids are being welcomed to take over the music venue, Friars Court Inn, who’s stage has been known to host numerous indie legends over the years, as well as the house music venue Fc2.

Located on Barbauld Street, the two venues are linked together, and Blacks Business Brokers are seeking to find a buyer who will uphold the £60,000 annual rent, in what is described to be a ‘unique’ opportunity.

In recent years the Friars Court has seen performances from the likes of Catfish and the Bottlemen, who were regular visitors early in their career, Viola Beach, The Sherlocks and The Lathums.

The venue has also heard legendary DJ sets from performers including Bez from the Happy Mondays, the Inspiral Carpets’ Clint Boon, and Carl Barat of The Libertines, as well as The Cribbs and The Futureheads.Warrington Guardian: Friars Court and FC2 Nightclub are in search of new owners to take on their joint legacy.Friars Court and FC2 Nightclub are in search of new owners to take on their joint legacy. (Image: Newsquest)

Aside from the magnificent musical history both hold, the two venues have in the past generated a healthy annual turnover of around £700,000, with a combined capacity to hold up to 700 people.

John Gaskell, director at Blacks Business Brokers, said: “Friar’s Court Inn and FC2 Nightclub have been at the heart of Warrington’s music scene for more than three decades.

“They also function as hospitality businesses in their own right, attracting customers with their food and drink offer and hugely popular courtyard area.”

Both venues were refurbished during the lockdown with a fully functioning kitchen, pizza oven and the sound and lighting equipment were given a fresh update.

“The two properties are interconnected so a new owner would have the option either of operating them as separate venues with individual entrances or jointly as a single venue.Warrington Guardian: Catfish and the Bottlemen played at the venue regularly earlier on in their careers and since their successCatfish and the Bottlemen played at the venue regularly earlier on in their careers and since their success (Image: Newsquest)

“This is a business with an amazing history, it is brilliantly equipped and has all the versatility a new operator might need, so I am expecting really strong interest in what is genuinely a unique opportunity,” John added.

Any interest or enquiries should be directed to Blacks Business Brokers on 0333 370 0000, quoting reference 8110.