One of the leading lights of the leisure industry is bringing his expertise to Coventry after being asked to run the city’s newest bar and pub.

Ian Robinson has been handed the top role at the SkyDome-based Orange House after several years of management experience within some of the country’s largest breweries.

Robinson, 30, made history a decade ago becoming Mansfield Brewery’s youngest ever general manager when he took the reins in York, and has held senior posts across the country since.

Most recently he ran Banbury’s Yates’s Wine Lodge but has now moved to Coventry well in time for the Orange House launch on Friday 24 August.

Although Coventry will only be the fourth Orange House in the country there are plans for the chain to quadruple in size over the next 12 months and Robinson believes the concept has a great future.

He said:

“I have visited the other Orange House units in the country and they create a fantastic atmosphere.

“They are essentially a traditional pub with low volume music and good food – the emphasis is on customers relaxing and being well treated.

“There are a lot of modern ‘trendy’ brands and concepts springing up around the country but the Orange House is not attempting to break new ground – it just gives customers what they want.

“I am really looking forward to opening in Coventry and believe that the other outlets at the SkyDome site will compliment us no end.

“The idea of the development originally was to give Coventry and Warwickshire people a diverse choice on a night out all under one roof and we are the final piece in the jigsaw puzzle.”

Robinson’s appointment continues the investment that Luminar Leisure are making in Coventry and regional manager Chris Teague believes it will be a further boost to the city.

He said:

“Ian is very well respected within the industry for his running of bars and pubs and we are delighted that he has taken the Coventry post.

“His wealth of experience will be invaluable in delivering the best possible service to the people of Coventry.

“Everywhere he has taken charge has flourished and we are convinced that Coventry will be no exception.”