The Gardeners Arms in Timperley is to undergo a major £380,000 refurbishment and reopen as a “modern family-friendly neighbourhood local” later this year.
The future of the Deansgate Lane pub had been in doubt earlier this year after it appeared to have closed.
But its future has been secured after its owner, Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars, struck a deal with Warrington-based pub operator Priory Inns North West.
It has now closed in order to be given a “complete facelift” and will reopen in early September with a new food offer, with 16 new jobs created.
A new “relaxed open plan space” with dining area and an island bar and snug will be created inside, and the pub will be given a “more contemporary look” with hanging pendant bulb lighting, parquet effect panelling and distressed paintwork on the walls.
The kitchen is to be extended to offer pub classics such as home-made burgers, slow-cooked lamb shank and locally sourced steaks, Sunday roasts and grazing boards, with seating for 120.
There will also be a new children’s menu and the pub will be dog-friendly.
The exterior of the Gardeners will be re-rendered in a “striking dark grey” with new signage and planting and a new garden area with covered pergola and festoon lighting and an alfresco area with seating for 80. There will also be outdoor games for the kids.
Priory Inns North West says that it will “make entertainment a key feature” at The Gardeners, with Live Sky & BT Sports, a weekly pub quiz, acoustic music on a Friday and live bands on a Saturday.
Licensee Neil Sparkes said: “I could see the potential of The Gardeners immediately. It is in a lovely area and just needed to be updated and the underutilised garden given a makeover and made family friendly.
“The new manager, Darren, is perfect for The Gardeners as he has been running The Saracen’s Head in Warburton, a similar run-down pub, which we took over 18 months ago and transformed into a very successful local. He and his family will be moving into the pub and are very much looking forward to meeting local residents and becoming part of the community.”
Priory Inns North West has seven other sites including The White Hart, The Blue Bell, The Maltings, The Level, Postern Gate, The Feathers and The Ramshead, all in Warrington, The Saracens Head in Warburton and The Boathouse in Irlam.
When advertising the opportunity, Star Pubs & Bars said there were 27,000 adults living within a mile of the pub.
David Pritchard, regional operations director for Star Pubs & Bars said: “We’re delighted that Neil and his team have taken on The Gardeners. We know him well as he has another of pubs The White Hart in Warrington and has a great record of turning around under-performing pubs. We wish him every success with this latest venture.
“HEINEKEN is a firm believer in the future of the Great British local and is investing £50 million this year in pubs like The Gardeners to help them keep pace with peoples’ changing needs and expectations so that they can thrive for the long term.”
