A Runcorn mother-and-daughter duo has reopened the Halfway House pub on Halton Road after a £150,000 transformation completed in just 12 days. Mandy Schon, 58, and her daughter Gemma Conway, 41, have run the pub for the past nine years and say the makeover has "breathed new life into the venue" while keeping its community spirit intact.
A Family-Run Pub at the Heart of Runcorn
Both "born and bred" in the industrial town and still living locally, the pair have built relationships with customers they cherish. Gemma told the ECHO: "We're delighted with the pub, and it's just what Runcorn needs in a world of pubs closing down daily. I feel very lucky that I get to do this every day with my mum. A proper family-run pub in the heart of the community is what we're all about."
She added: "The face of the pub may have changed, but our family and community values very much remain. We can't wait for everyone to see what we've done with the pub."
A 12-Day Transformation Inside and Out
The refurbishment has given the pub a fresh look, from new graffiti artwork on the exterior to furniture, interactive dart lanes, an additional pool table and an enhanced beer garden. The investment has also created eight new jobs for the local area.
Mandy said: "To turn this around in 12 days is just mental. We're very happy with the end result, and I echo what Gemma said about being lucky to do this every day as a mother-and-daughter duo. Do we agree on everything? Absolutely not! But we always do everything with our customers' best interests at heart, and that won't change."
New Entertainment and a Darts Star Connection
Removing internal walls has created a more open and welcoming space, while two new interactive dart lanes and a second pool table offer more reasons for customers to gather. Darts fans may even find themselves sharing the oche with world number one Luke Littler, who is known to drop in for a casual game with locals, according to the owners. A mural celebrating the darts sensation is also planned for the newly revamped darts room.
Outside, the expanded decking and additional covered seating will provide more space for customers to enjoy the beer garden throughout the year.
Investment in Runcorn's Hospitality
The Halfway House is one of 23 pubs and bars owned by Chorley-based independent operator Blind Tiger Inns. Founder and Managing Director Chris Tulloch said: "This investment supports hospitality in Runcorn and creates new local jobs. We've updated the pub inside and out and added new entertainment, giving people more ways to meet and spend quality time together."
