Transforming an Old Car Park into a Revitalized City Street

Dan and David: From Students to Entrepreneurs

Building a Business from Scratch

Dan Gillbanks and David Scowcroft are two young entrepreneurs who are making waves in the business world. They started their first venture, PINS Social Club, in the heart of Liverpool when they were just 23 years old. The idea for PINS, which is a trendy bowling alley, came to them while Dan was studying for his Business Master’s degree at Liverpool’s John Moores University.

While juggling his studies, Dan also worked at TalkTalk, selling internet services. At the same time, David was engaged in the property sector. Their combined knowledge in these areas helped them spot a unique opportunity: an old car park on Duke Street that they could transform into a vibrant social hub.

Taking a Risk

In an interview with the ECHO, Dan shared, “We took a punt on what was an old car park. My family had experience in property, and we saw that Duke Street was becoming more popular.” However, the journey wasn’t smooth. After opening PINS in February 2020, the business had to shut down just six weeks later due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The delays in building the bowling alley were also a learning experience for the young business partners.

Dan’s reflections highlight the challenges they faced: “Being so young, you have naivety. You don’t necessarily realize the scale of what you’re taking on. Those early hurdles taught us valuable lessons that we won’t forget.”

A New Adventure: The Dog and Collar

Opening a New Pub

Now, after navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic, Dan and David are set to launch a new venue in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter. The PINS team will soon open a pub called The Dog and Collar on Hope Street. This area was previously home to the well-regarded 60 Hope Street restaurant, which operated for over 20 years before its closure in 2021.

Dan explained his motivation for this new venture: “I moved to this historic area about a year ago and saw great potential in this building. While it once had a popular restaurant, I felt all three floors weren’t being utilized to their fullest.” He believes there was a gap in the market for a local pub where people could feel a sense of community.

Redefining the Space

Dan and David aim to create a cozy atmosphere in The Dog and Collar. They plan to offer good quality food and drinks without crossing into fine dining territory. The venue will consist of three distinct spaces:

1. **Ground Floor Tap Room**: This area will have a casual setting with fewer table reservations, allowing for more walk-ins while still offering dining options.

2. **Upstairs Dining Room**: Here, guests can enjoy a more traditional sit-down dining experience.

3. **Basement Tavern**: This space will focus on a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for casual gatherings.

“We want it to feel like a pub first and foremost,” Dan emphasized. “You’ll walk in and know you’re at a pub, but we also want people to enjoy a good meal here.”

Personal Connections

The 60 Hope Street site holds a special meaning for Dan, as his uncle Charlie Scott transformed it into a club long before it became known as a popular restaurant. This personal connection further inspires the vision for The Dog and Collar.

Preparing for Growth

While the new pub differs from the social club, Dan is excited about the challenges and opportunities it presents. “Even when running PINS, we faced hurdles that prepared us for bigger ventures,” he noted. Their ultimate goal remains ambitious: to expand PINS into different cities while utilizing their business infrastructure to explore new ideas.

In addition to The Dog and Collar, their company, D2, recently took over the Almost Famous burger chain locations in Liverpool and Manchester. This move shows their commitment to growth, and they aim to reopen these locations soon under new management.

Dan’s journey from a student to a thriving entrepreneur is a testament to the power of taking risks and following dreams. His passion for creating unique experiences in the hospitality sector continues to drive him, and he inspires others with his story.