The Old Packet House, an 18th-century canalside pub in Trafford, has reopened following a £390,000 refurbishment. The venue, on Navigation Road in Altrincham, is a popular stop for dog walkers and ramblers heading to the nearby Bridgewater Canal.
Historic features retained
Originally built in the 1770s, the community pub has kept several of its original features, including its glasswork and a chimney with three open fireplaces. Licensee Carl Stonehouse admitted the venue had been in need of 'serious investment' for some time.
The combined investment from Carl and Admiral Taverns has preserved many of the pub's original characteristics while 'breathing a new lease of life' into the venue. The refurbishment includes brand new decor, fittings, furniture and floorings, as well as new external signs, a fresh coat of paint, and an updated beer garden with new heaters, seating and an undercover area.
Community response
Carl said he hopes the changes will help the pub remain a focal point in the local community and attract new visitors. He said: "It has been fantastic seeing the refurbishment come together over the past couple of weeks, but nothing beats finally reopening our doors and welcoming back familiar faces alongside plenty of new ones."
He added: "The response from the local community has been brilliant, and after four great years running the pub, I'm really excited for this next chapter. A huge thank you to everyone who made this possible, especially the team at Admiral Taverns for all their guidance and support."
New menu and events
The Old Packet House will host a regular calendar of events throughout the week, including quiz nights, open mic sessions, Northern Soul celebrations, poker nights, fundraisers, and Irish-themed weekend parties.
The pub has expanded its drinks offering with an extensive portfolio including cask ales, premium draught lagers and ciders, as well as a cocktail menu and wine, liqueur and spirits selections. Its food menu has also been revamped, featuring traditional favourites like pies, burgers, and fish and chips, alongside Jambalaya, chicken in a basket, wild mushroom and spinach tortellini, and a tender sliced beef and gravy ciabatta. A Sunday Roast offering includes topside beef, roast pork and turkey, or a brie and mushroom wellington.
Craig Knights, Business Development Manager at Admiral Taverns, said: "It has been brilliant to see the Old Packet House reopen after such an impressive transformation." He added: "Carl and his team have worked tirelessly to get every detail just right, and seeing the place full of customers again is fantastic. On behalf of myself and everyone at Admiral Taverns, I would like to wish Carl and everyone at the Old Packet House all the best for the future."
The Old Packet House is located at 1 Navigation Rd, Altrincham WA14 1LW.
