Queen’s Square Social is looking to establish itself as more than a hospitality venue, with new general manager Scott Hesketh setting out plans to make the Wrexham destination a place for people to work, meet, create and celebrate. The 21-year-old takes on the role as the family business behind the venture continues to invest in the city.
Scott’s appointment follows the venue’s first six months of trading at the historic Old Library. Queen’s Square Social is run by SAVVY Collective, the family-led hospitality group founded by his father, Steven Hesketh.
Having begun his career as a kitchen porter at The Chester Townhouse, Scott went on to establish street food business Foxxy Foods with a co-founder. The business launched at DevaFest in 2025, giving him experience of building and running a hospitality venture of his own.
Scott said: “In the space of six months we’ve made incredible progress. The Deli is busier every month, the events diary is filling up fast and we’ve just hosted our first wedding, which was a really special moment for the whole team.
“I’m incredibly proud to be able to lead the venue through this exciting new chapter in its history, and I’m looking forward to bringing the experience and ambition behind Foxxy Foods to Queen’s Square Social.”
The venue is situated on the ground floor of the 1907 Carnegie-funded Old Library, which reopened after Wrexham Council completed a £4 million refurbishment. Four spaces make up the Queen’s Square Social offer: The Deli, The Board, The Pod and The Social.
Each has a role to play in Scott’s plans for the business. He said: “People have been hugely positive about The Deli and I want to build on that. I want it to be known as an informal place where local professionals can work, meet and connect, as well as somewhere residents can relax and take their time.
“The Pod, our podcast and vodcast studio, is a real point of difference, particularly for the growing creative and business community in our area. We’re already recording some fantastic content inside The Pod including Wrexham Means Business, and we have lots more in the planning.
“The Board is already proving very popular with local businesses and is hosting regular weekly meetings. The opportunity to grow that is huge.
“The Social gives us real versatility as a venue. It’s a flexible space for events, workshops, networking, private celebrations and community activity.
“Ultimately I want Queen’s Square Social to be a place where people come to eat, create, connect and celebrate.
“It can be used for everything from exercise classes and open-mic nights to award ceremonies, keynote speaking events, antique and toy sales and art exhibitions.”
The team has expanded to five employees since launch, and further recruitment is planned as activity increases. The business is also keen to make local sourcing central to its operation, working with Welsh suppliers and promoting the region’s products.
Scott added: “We’re passionate about working with Welsh suppliers and showcasing the best of what’s on our doorstep. Supporting local businesses will always be at the heart of everything we do.
“The feedback from locals, many of whom have now become regulars, has been brilliant. People love the new way the building is being used and it’s fantastic to see it so full of life.”
The venue’s reception among customers is reflected in its Google reviews, where it has achieved a rating of 4.9 out of 5.
Queen’s Square Social brings together a deli, meeting rooms and event facilities, offering what its owners describe as the experience of a hotel without accommodation. However, overnight stays are set to become part of the wider business, with the forthcoming opening of The Old Registry, a luxury apartment development in the city’s former register office. It has already secured its first booking.
SAVVY Collective’s hospitality portfolio also includes The Chester Townhouse, and the business has been recognised with the Leisure and Tourism Award at the North West Family Business Awards.
The group’s presence in Wrexham includes Hotel Wrexham and The Savvy Fox, alongside Queen’s Square Social. The family’s investment in the city is matched by a commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates.
This includes backing local sports clubs and initiatives such as Connect Wrexham. Founder Steven Hesketh has also extended the group’s interest in hospitality to younger audiences through his children’s book, Bee Our Guest, which now reaches readers in Wales as well as England.
In August, SAVVY Collective joined the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce as a Patron Member. It is supporting the Chamber’s work to encourage investment, strengthen skills and develop opportunities across the region, particularly in the visitor economy.
Steven Hesketh said: “This region is where SAVVY Collective started, and it’s where we intend to keep investing for years to come.”
Scott’s appointment represents the family’s next generation taking a leading role in delivering that long-term ambition.
Steven added: “Hospitality has always been part of family life for us. I’ve learned the business from the ground up and now I want to build something here that lasts.”
Scott said: “We’re only just getting started and with The Old Registry about to open, we’ll be able to offer guests the complete package.”
