Company aims to return pub to its former glory (From Knutsford Guardian)

Company aims to return pub to its former glory

8:40am Tuesday 19th March 2013 in News By James Wilson

A NEW hospitality firm, which has chosen the Legh Arms as its first pub, says it hopes to bring the drinking spot back to its former glory.

The Alehouse Collection, in Alderley Road, Chelford, took over the Brook Street pub on March 1, but immediately closed it for a refurbishment project.

It is set to re-open on Wednesday, March 27, with a launch night on Thursday, April 4.

Legh Arms regulars will be breathing a sigh of relief, as the 16th century pub closed in October 2012 when the former landlord filed for administration.

Pub owner Marstons then teamed up with Mitchell’s Pub Management Services shortly before Christmas to keep things running on a temporary basis.

Tim Coulson, director of operations for the Alehouse Collection, said: “By the end, we’ll have probably spent around £35,000, possibly more.

“But there will be no structural changes to the pub itself, as it’s a nice place that is well laid-out.

“It was closed in October, so it’s run down a bit and was then in the hands of a management company to keep it open.”

Tim told the Guardian that the theme the team are going for is ‘contemporary British’ with a ‘homely’ darker colour scheme.

“We’re sprucing everything up in the interior and changing the food and drink,” he added.

“But we’ll be keeping it traditional with a real fire and cask ales.

“Everything will be brought back up to speed with the current climate and the times we’re in with the hospitality and pub business.

“We’re from the Knutsford area, so it was a shame to see it not doing as well and not hitting its potential.

“We want to bring the pub back to the heart of the community. We’ve had a great response so far. The pub still has that loyal following.”

The Alehouse Collection is on the look-out for around six front of house staff to work at the Legh Arms.