A POPULAR Knutsford pub has been given a change of name by its new owners.

The Freemasons Arms on Silk Mill Street will reopen its doors on Friday, July 4 at 3pm sporting new ownership, new decor and a new name.

Renamed ‘The Folly’, the pub is under the ownership of Matthew Mooney, guided by the same team behind The Rose n Crown Chop House and The Belle Epoque.

Matthew said: “In many ways The Folly is a celebration of Knutsford.

“The Folly acknowledges its historic past, but is very much looking forward to the future, as a pub that will appeal to everyone.

“The menu we have created sees the names of dishes adopt historic Knutsford references, predominantly the names of quirky and individual Knutsford businesses from years gone by.”

Dishes such as the ‘Cranford Slab’, ‘Tatton Chilli Massacre’, ‘Church Hill Chilli Dawg’ and ‘Enoch’s Chippy Slab’ are examples of the local references.

The ‘Highwayman Higgins Hangin’ Skewer’ is another, which of course relates to the notable Cheshire ‘gentleman’ who added notoriety to Knutsford, and of course met his end in a very similar fashion.

Matthew added he was keen to highlight the use of local independent businesses in the refurbishment and operation of The Folly.

‘’Everything from the interior design to marketing, and menu production to ingredients have all been sourced locally using the great independent businesses we are so lucky to have here in Knutsford and indeed Cheshire,” he said.

“This underpins our values for this pub right from the start.”

Operations Director Richard Walker said he was keen to encourage the people of Knutsford and the surrounding areas to come down and see it for themselves.

‘’A lot of people in the town loved The Freemasons,” he said.

“We did too, hence why we chose to take it on. The venue is changing in many ways, as it will have to in order to have a sustainable future, but we would urge those who loved The Freemasons to come and see The Folly this weekend and help to make it a fantastic pub for the town.”

Stay up to date with all the latest news from the venue on twitter @TheFollyPub and facebook /thefollypub.