The owner of The Phoenix Club is the wheelchair-bound Brian Potter, who has presided over two clubs in the past: the first (The Aquarius) flooded, the second (The Neptune) burned down. His ambition (with the help of Jerry St Clair) is to see The Phoenix Club become the most popular in Bolton and thus outdo his arch-nemesis, Den Perry, owner of rival club The Banana Grove.
The club has burnt down (rival Den Perry did it) and Brian has been barred from holding a licence due to safety shortcuts and insurance fiddles. But, inspired by old mate Hoss Cartwright who runs Blackpool's La Ponderosa, Brian has plans for a revival. He needs the help of his former employees, especially Jerry St Clair, who has been reduced to the role of singing salesman at Asda.
Brian is in dire need of cash for his refurbishment so he decides to hold a family fun day in the club car park. They've got fairground rides and face-painting - what could possibly go wrong?
To get publicity, Brian arranges for the Phoenix Club to be featured on TV show Crimetime (presented by Stuart Maconie), recreating the night of the blaze. It turns into a blatant plug for the club – and features Jerry's performance of Reach For The Stars. Meanwhile, the Chinese cooks are stir frying everything and the seedy Spencer (Daniel Kitson) is hired as a barman.
Everyone except Brian seems to know Wednesday is 'Jerry's Free and Easy Night'. So Jerry is furious when he finds Brian's organised a quiz night with a year's supply of lager up for grabs.
It's Ladies' Night, Brian's stocked up on Bacardi and Paddy can't wait for the bored housewives to arrive. Max has his eye on a different chassis but he knows she's out of his league.
The Phoenix has risen and the punters are back. Brian isn't surprised when the brewery decides to come and celebrate his victory and throws a gala Stars in Their Eyes show.
