A landmark local pub in Stockton Heath, Cheshire, has re-opened following a £160,000 makeover. The landlords were so impressed with the work of Warrington-based design firm, Innex Design, that they turned to poetry to give their thanks at the pub’s re-opening.
The Red Lion is owned by BG Inns, which appointed Innex Design to fully redesign and refurbish the interior to bring it up to date. This resulted in a poem from landlord and landlady, Tony and Ceris Shadwell, to thank the company for its efforts.
“I’m not usually a man of poetry,” says Tony, “but we felt the need to commend the Innex guys in this way – they were a pleasure to work with. Plus, the new layout and much-improved design has gone down really well with our customers since we re-opened.”
The venue – which was a traditional wet pub – has been installed with a kitchen and function room to ensure that it appeals to all customers. Artisan snacks and home-cooked food is now served alongside local brewery drinks. The property also has an open-plan area and family-friendly booth seating, as well as the traditional bar area, and free WiFi.
As The Red Lion is a Grade II Listed property set within a Purple Flag village – which dates back to the Anglo Saxon period – English Heritage had to approve the refurbishment plans. As such, the project needed to be handled sensitively.
Innex Design has previous experience in this type of project, having received an English Heritage award from CAMRA for its refurbishment of another classic old pub, which had lost its former glory.
Richard Giles, owner of BG Inns – which owns a number of pubs in the Warrington area – comments: “I was particularly impressed with the service Innex Design provided. They have enhanced the heritage of the pub and kept its authenticity, while adding value to it with their quality designs.”
Andrew Buchanan, director of pub operations at Thwaites, says: “It’s fantastic to see the new look unveiled at the Red Lion, so much hard work has gone into transforming the pub.”
Chris Catelani of Innex Design, adds: “Our role is to maintain the pub’s original character and make sure it appeals to the regular clientele, while bringing it up to date to encourage a wider consumer audience. We’re delighted we were appointed for the job. And the poem will have pride of place on our wall!”
