Last summer, we told you about the planned opening of a second Itchy Pig site and following a spruce up of the Eccy Road site, The Itchy Pig Banner Cross finally opened its doors at the end of February.
The OG Itchy Pig micro pub opened its doors back in 2016 and almost immediately became a huge hit in Broomhill with people visiting from miles around to sample the real ales on offer. The pub has been such a success that owners decided to expand into a second venue across town in 946 Ecclesall Road.
Owner Ted Finley has converted the former shop, giving them a (slightly) bigger space, while retaining the same ethos and feel of their Broomhill home.
Back in June, Ted told Exposed: “I’ve been looking for a second one for a couple of years, but either the timing was wrong or the venues seemed to be wrong, when all of a sudden this one popped up and it just seemed to tick all the boxes.
The new Itchy Pig in Banner Cross ahead of the recent refurb
“It’s about a metre wider and about a metre longer, so it’s just a little bit bigger and we can put a couple of tables at the front. It’s similar to what we’ve got in Broomhill and with recent openings of Marmadukes and the Wild Card the area seems to be on the up.”
Despite the various pandemic-related struggles over the last year and the fact that Ted’s partner gave birth to their first child last year, Ted hasn’t had any second thoughts about opening another site.
“I know it’s going to work.” Says Ted, “I’m going to take Rich, who’s kind of my right-hand man here, up there to run it. I know he’ll do a fantastic job because he just loves the trade and loves his beer.
“There’ll be a focus on real ales again and we’ll have the same sort of offering, with six hand pulls on the bar, some regular lines, guest lines and rotating cask and keg. It’s been a bit of a crazy year but I’m excited, if I’m honest.”
That makes two of us, Ted and if the new micro pub is anywhere near as good as the award-winning Itchy Pig then we’re on to a winner. Chuck them a follow on socials here.
