The Church View Inn, a Greene King pub in Lunts Heath, Cheshire, will temporarily close from Tuesday, September 1 as it undergoes a six-figure refurbishment. It is due to reopen this autumn.
Refurbishment plans for the pub
Located on Lunts Heath Road, the family-friendly pub will close to the public while work takes place. Improvements include upgrades to the front garden with additional seating, festoon lighting and fresh signage, creating a spot for alfresco drinks and dining.
Inside, the pub will receive modern furnishings, upgraded flooring and an enhanced bar area to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. The toilets will also be fully refurbished.
What Greene King promises
Greene King has said The Church View Inn will provide something for everyone, whether for drinks with friends, leisurely meals, or sports viewing and entertainment.
Michael Robinson, general manager at The Church View Inn, said: "The Church View Inn is a much-loved pub within the local community, and we can't wait to showcase a new look and feel following a refurbishment this September."
"The investment will offer a range of modern comforts and stylish décor, as well as improvements to our garden space. With delicious food and drinks menus served in a refreshed setting, we hope to offer fantastic experiences for all occasions. We look forward to welcoming our customers back soon to celebrate The Church View Inn's reopening."
Greene King's presence in the North West
Greene King operates dozens of managed and partnership sites across the North West, including the Albert Dock's Pump House, Lime Street Central, Smithdown Road's Willow Bank Tavern, and West Derby's Royal Standard and Sefton Arms.
The closure follows the ECHO's report that the future of a Port Sunlight pub has been secured. The Bridge Inn on Bolton Road was acquired by Port Sunlight Village Trust (PSVT) last week, safeguarding its future. After buying the freehold, PSVT will work with existing leaseholders, Greene King.
PSVT is an independent charitable trust responsible for promoting and preserving the historic Wirral village, which contains more than 900 Grade II listed buildings. Created by Unilever in 1999, PSVT works with residents to create a self-sustaining village. The Bridge Inn, built in 1900, will join the trust's portfolio of commercial properties, including the Gladstone Theatre, Hulme Hall, Nettle Café, the Lyceum and more.
CEO Mike Ward told the ECHO: "The pub was a bit of an anomaly, in that it was one of the prominent buildings in the village we didn't own already. So it was on our radar as something we would be interested in."
"I think it was earlier in the year, we became aware that the owners were actively trying to sell it. We thought we'd put a bid in, and thankfully it was successful."
"Because it was a confidential negotiation, we really didn't tell anyone until it was complete. We posted it on our social channels, and it has just been overwhelming."
"There is clearly so much love for the building, and the memories. People have had weddings, and parties there. I think everyone is just really excited to see its future secured. The fact that, as the charity charged with protecting the village we now own this asset, has gone down really well with people."
From the trust's point of view, the aim of acquiring the building is about "securing a key asset in the village" and "making sure the trust can help shape its future".
