Villagers raise glasses to celebrate (From Knutsford Guardian)

Villagers raise glasses to celebrate

8:30am Friday 23rd November 2012 in News By James Wilson

DRINKERS in Cheshire’s best kept village have been raising their glasses to a new landlord after their prized local reopened its doors once more.

Not only did the village win numerous accolades at the Cheshire Community Pride Awards 2012 but the village pub – The Red Lion – has also reopened its doors, following a much needed extension and refurbishment project which started eight months ago.

This joint investment between Robinsons Brewery of Stockport and the Broad Oak Pub company has seen a ‘substantial amount’ of money ploughed in to revitalise the once run down establishment.

The village pub, originally purchased by Robinsons Brewery as a traditional community pub in 2009, has always been a hub for social gatherings in the village but Darren Sayle, director of The Broad Oak Pub Company, said the refit has meant the pub has been secured for future generations.

“The general condition of the building was in a very poor condition,” he said.

“More work than first envisaged was required and for a large amount of time the roof completely disappeared.

“Services were not deemed suitable and we needed to have a new supply installed for all the major utilities.

“This is our second development with Robinsons and the design team working on this development have worked hard, listening to our very specific refurbishment requirements whilst also taking into consideration the pub’s surroundings.

“Not only have we made the pub look better, but we have also invested in the things people don’t necessarily see; such as the new roof and cellar.

“We are proud to say that, together with Robinsons brewery, we have secured the foundations and the future of the building itself for many decades to come.”

New features include a new orangery, a new roof and the installation of the existing outside area which features a new adventure play area to keep the children occupied.

For further information visit theredlionpickmere.com.