A leading Liverpool-based hospitality group has appointed a new General Manager for one of its popular city centre bars.
Tom Norris, who invented the delicious Scouse Fizz cocktail, has joined Lucky Penny Group to lead the team at Abditory on quirky Queen Avenue between Castle and Dale streets, as well as assist with the development of the group’s forthcoming venues across the North West.
Tom leaves his role as assistant manager at GPO Liverpool in the Met Quarter after making his name working his way up the ladder in busy Liverpool JD Wetherspoons pubs and helping to turn around their performance.
A former head cellar man from Leeds who is passionate about small breweries, Tom helped take the Lime Kiln from 356th in the JD Wetherspoon estate for ale sales to 1st in two months, as well as helping to open the North Western and make it the 17th pub in the Wetherspoons estate to achieve a £1m profit in a year.
Tom, who is a graduate of both Keele and Liverpool universities said: “Having cut my teeth in management roles in big busy pubs I felt it was time to take what I’ve learned and help smaller independents reach their ambitions and Lucky Penny has a burgeoning reputation for wanting to do things properly as they expand their portfolio.
“I really like their ethics and the way in which they approach the hospitality business and Abditory really appealed to me because it’s not about being ten deep at the bar, it’s about great personal service and great customer experience.
“Lucky Penny’s employees are not just numbers; they are individuals who are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work and are really supported in making the most out a career in hospitality and teasing out their potential. I want to grow as the group grows.”
Scouse Fizz is a cocktail Tom created during his time at GPO Liverpool. It’s a cheeky and refreshing drink named after the people it represents, the Scousers Tom has met since being in Liverpool. It’s a mix of Liverpool Gin, St Germain elderflower liqueur and lime juice, topped with grapefruit & rosemary tonic.
In addition to Abditory, Lucky Penny also operates BoBo an authentic Iberian bar on Castle Street and has been involved in the success of Love Lane Brewery, while Managing Director Steven Burgess co-founded Camp & Furnace venue in Liverpool’s Baltic Quarter.
Lucky Penny are also currently bringing forward multiple schemes across the region, including In Liverpool and Chester.
Adam Keegan, Lucky Penny’s head of operations, said: “Tom has successfully managed in high scale venues with large turnovers and with his excellent career experience he is a perfect fit as we look to scale our business.
“I’ve rarely seen someone in this game with such attention to detail and we are already feeling the benefit of both his exacting standards and creativity. There are great times ahead for Tom and we are delighted to bring him on board.”
Lucky Penny also welcomes Kirkdale’s Nadine Gardner to Abditory who takes up a new role as head bartender, following an eight year hospitality career that includes for New World Pub Company for five years, four of which as a senior/bar coach, head bar coach and a vanguard for two years with a very strong training background.
