“Pubs aren’t failing – they need investment” says Sheffield businesswoman who transformed village nightlife

The Red Lion and Old Harrow Inn are now thriving venues after being taken over and revamped by Brooke Rodgers, who left hairdressing behind following the closure of her Crystal Peaks business.

Brooke said the decision to step away from the industry came after years of rising costs and changing conditions post-pandemic.

“It just wasn’t the same after Covid, and the rent was so high,” she said.

Already working as a DJ, she decided to take a chance on the pub trade – taking over The Red Lion in May 2025.

“After many years, The Red Lion was given a new lease of life and love when I got the keys,” she said.

The turnaround was rapid, with Brooke transforming the venue in just 10 days into what she describes as a “go-to destination pub”.

The food offering has been central to that, with more than 100 menu items available and a focus on local sourcing, including produce from Grenoside-based Wastenay’s butchers.

Dishes such as a “giant fish and chips” have gained attention online, alongside homemade pies and oversized burgers, helping to draw in diners as well as drinkers.

But Brooke insists it is the combination of food and entertainment that has truly changed the fortunes of the pub.

“It was falling apart when we took it on, but now it’s a bustling pub,” she said.

“People have actually come up to me and said I’ve transformed the area.”

Across both venues, she now employs more than 30 staff, reflecting the scale of the turnaround.

Despite wider reports of pubs struggling, she believes the issue is not demand but a lack of investment.

“Pubs are struggling, but I don’t think it’s because people don’t want to go out - it’s because they’re not being given a reason to,” she said.

Her approach centres on regular entertainment, which she says has changed local habits.

“By 9pm, taxis are pulling up,” she said.

Throughout the week, the pubs host a range of events aimed at different audiences.

“On Tuesdays we do ‘Tuesday Club’, which is more of a solo act and brings in an older crowd,” she said.

“Then Fridays and Saturdays we’ve got DJs, live singers and bands.”

At the Old Harrow, she has introduced karaoke nights on Fridays and live solo performers on Sunday afternoons to offer something different.

“We try to keep things fresh between the two venues,” she said.

Brooke said customers often stay for the entire evening, with many initially booking for food, and staying to watch the entertainment.

“It’s like a holiday atmosphere, people come for a meal and end up staying all night,” she said.

She added that feedback from locals has been overwhelmingly positive.

“People have come and told me that it has transformed the area -some have even said I’ve ‘saved the area’, which is amazing to hear.”

As a transgender businesswoman, Brooke also spoke about her pride in succeeding in a new industry.

“Everyone’s been really accepting, it’s nice to be able to do well and just get on with it,” she said.

While she admits she can be a “bit of a workaholic”, she believes that commitment has been key to the pubs’ revival.

And despite the challenges facing the sector, she is optimistic about its future.

“There’s a lot of doom and gloom around pubs, but this is proof that pubs aren’t failing, they just need investment,

“With hard work and great entertainment pubs can thrive.”

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