In an inspiring tale of community spirit and dedication, a family trio has brought a historic Stockport pub back from the brink of decay, earning accolades and heartfelt gratitude from locals. Chris Gent, his father Alan Gent, and daughter-in-law Amy Barker took over the lease of The Crown Inn in July 2025, embarking on a transformative journey to restore this 1877 establishment to its former splendour.
A Historic Institution Reborn
The Crown Inn, once hailed as Stockport's finest pub three decades ago, had suffered a prolonged decline over the past ten years. Under previous management, the venue became dilapidated, with smashed mirrors, dwindling patronage, and rumours of criminal activity plaguing its reputation. The building, originally converted from three terraced houses, stood as a shadow of its vibrant past.
Determined to reverse this trend, Chris, Alan, and Amy rolled up their sleeves and began a meticulous restoration process. They stripped years of poor-quality paint from vintage fireplace tiles, replaced shattered Victorian stained glass panels, and thoroughly cleaned neglected beer lines in the cellar. Their efforts have been nothing short of a labour of love, focused squarely on benefiting the local community.
Community Reaction and Emotional Impact
The family's hard work has resonated deeply with residents, many of whom have shared emotional stories of their connections to the pub. Alan, 75, who lives nearby in Cheadle with his wife Carol, 72, remarked, "We've had people come in to tell us how grateful they are, and that they drank in the pub 40 years ago. It holds so many memories for a lot of people." Carol contributed by adding flowers to long-empty planters at the front of the building, enhancing its curb appeal.
Reflecting on the pub's rich history, Alan added, "In its 148-year history, this place has seen weddings, wakes, breakups, makeups, first dates, last chats - anything and everything you could imagine. If these walls could talk, there wouldn't be a book big enough to hold the pages." This sentiment underscores the cultural significance of pubs as repositories of shared experiences and social bonds.
Championing Pub Preservation Campaigns
The family has enthusiastically endorsed the Mirror's Your Pub Needs You campaign, emphasising the critical role of British freehouses in national culture and local economies. Chris, 40, who previously worked in a Sainsbury's bakery and co-owns Stockport's The Petersgate Tap with his father, stated, "Pubs are a part of British culture, they're a part of our national identity that shouldn't be taken for granted. Nowhere else in the world has them, and therefore they're an institution that needs to be respected, preserved, and celebrated."
He highlighted alarming statistics, noting, "One pub closed every single day last year across the country. Not only are pubs good for the economy but also the local area; they give people somewhere to meet and somewhere to be proud of." This advocacy aligns with broader efforts to combat the decline of community pubs nationwide.
Political Support and a Personal Invitation
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has previously voiced strong support for initiatives to save struggling pubs, describing them as "hugely important" venues that foster community cohesion and wellbeing. Amy, 38, who left her job as a vet's receptionist to run The Crown Inn full-time, often working 13-hour shifts, echoed this view. She said, "Pubs are a place of friendship, of solace, of fun - of life. Look around a pub and you'll see all walks of life - all races, ages, beliefs, genders. They're somewhere you can come and be completely yourself."
In a spirited gesture, Amy extended a personal invitation to the Prime Minister, declaring, "Sir Keir - consider this your invitation to come for a drink anytime!" This underscores the family's commitment to creating a welcoming space for all, including high-profile supporters of pub culture.
A Family Affair with Deep Roots
For Amy, managing The Crown Inn fulfils a childhood dream of owning an "old man's pub." She reminisced, "I was a bag of crisps and a coke child. I used to go to the pub with my dad, and he'd be chatting away to everyone. I spent loads of time in pubs growing up. It was lovely." Now, her own daughters—Lily, 18, Emily, 16, and Olivia, 14—help out by collecting glasses in exchange for treats, making it a true family endeavour.
Chris shared how pubs have strengthened his familial bonds, saying, "Dad and I used to meet in the pub for a chat - it's where we've had some of our best conversations over the years. So it seems only fitting that we've taken over The Crown Inn - and working together has brought us closer than ever." This personal connection fuels their passion for the project.
Renovation Success and Future Plans
After six weeks of intensive renovations, including replastering walls, removing unsightly wallpaper, and repairing fixtures, The Crown Inn reopened in August 2025 to overwhelming support. Alan recalled, "Everyone has been gushing about how much they'd missed this place, and how much it meant to them. We have a lot of older regulars who rely on the pub for their social life." The pub even opened on Christmas Day to provide companionship for those alone.
The venue has quickly become a hub of activity, with a monthly quiz night, regular live music performances by local groups like a ukulele band, and plans for an outdoor bar and a summer of concerts. Chris noted, "We want the place to be packed. We're known for our Guinness, but our bestseller is actually Bass bitter." Alan proudly mentioned serving Boddington's, a Manchester beer he grew up drinking.
Accolades and Looking Ahead
The family's efforts have not gone unrecognised. Recently, The Crown Inn was a runner-up in the prestigious CAMRA Heritage Award, which honours those who preserve historic pub interiors. Additionally, it won 'most improved pub of the year' in Stockport and South Manchester. These awards validate their commitment to heritage conservation.
When asked about expanding their pub portfolio, Chris responded cautiously, "After The Petersgate Tap I said never again… so ask me again in 10 years. But if we can, we will. Pubs are closing at an alarming rate, which is a shame. I'd love to be part of the change." He expressed hope that campaigns like the Mirror's will spark a pub revolution, encouraging more people to support their local establishments.
Through sheer determination and community focus, Chris, Alan, and Amy have not only revived a cherished local landmark but also reinforced the enduring value of British pubs as cornerstones of social life and cultural heritage.
