Barracuda openings in Shipley and Ware

March 2, 2007: Barracuda invested £1.5 million in the opening of two new Smith & Jones pubs this week. The Hockney, in Shipley, and The Navigator, Ware, opened their doors on Wednesday.

The Hockney, a former retail shop, was named after the world famous artist David Hockney who was born locally and whose vast art collection is housed in the Salt Mills in Shipley.

The Navigator is set on the River Lea and boasts a fantastic outdoor area complete with mooring. The name was chosen by Ware resident Patricia Brett who thought that the Navigator referenced the town’s historical association with river trade transportation.

Both opening nights were a great success and created a combined 50 new full and part time jobs.

The Hockney and The Navigator take the total number of Smith & Jones’ across the UK to 97 and the total number of Barracuda Group’s sites nationwide to 195.