The 240-year-old watering hole is stepping into a new era with a head-to toe face lift
A Greater Manchester pub with a long and storied history has undergone a major transformation.(Image: Supplied)
A Greater Manchester pub with a long and storied history has undergone a major transformation. The pub, which has been listed in the prestigious Good Beer Guide for an unbroken 27 years has undergone a £400,000 makeover.
The Crown Hotel in Horwich, is one of the area’s most historic pubs. And while remaining steeped in heritage, now, after a sensitive refurbishment, the 240-year-old watering hole is stepping into a new era with a head-to toe face lift. The revamp includes a brand-new media wall complete with a 75-inch screen for live sport.
The award-winning pub is owned by Manchester-based Joseph Holt Brewery. The transformation includes a significantly expanded kitchen, which means the Crown can broaden its menu. There’s also an extensive new beer garden and a full interior redesign.
Click here for the latest on Manchester’s food & drink scene, gigs and more in our CityLife newsletter
Despite the addition of modern upgrades, including the new media wall, the renovation has been carried out with a clear sensitivity to the pub’s heritage, says area manager Mike Gauder.
“With this new dedicated media wall, we not only have the huge screen but have also zoned the sound through speakers so that our customers can have a fully immersive experience when they watch their favourite matches,” he noted.
“As a Joseph Holt pub, The Crown is at the heart of the community. With the addition of some modern touches, it remains an important part of the history of the area. And like our pubs will continue to be a lively focal point for those living near and far.”
The transformation includes a significantly expanded kitchen, which means the Crown can broaden its menu. There’s also an extensive new beer garden and a full interior redesign(Image: Supplied)
“We also have screens in other areas too. Yet we have also stayed in tune with the traditions of the pub, through the choice of furnishings and design.”
The original Crown Hotel was built in 1786 as a staging post on Turnpike Road. It was rebuilt in 1886 and in 2017 was awarded a civic plaque by Horwich Town Council as recognition for its contribution to the local community.
As well as its long run in Campaign for Real Ale’s [CAMRA] Good Beer Guide, The Crown also received a gold award from the organisation as part of its 50th anniversary commemorations. The Crown is also a regular winner of Horwich in Bloom.
The revamp includes a brand-new media wall complete with a 75-inch screen for live sport(Image: Supplied)
CAMRA describes the boozer as a “grand local landmark”, and notes its proximity to the beautiful countryside of Rivington and the West Pennine Moors. It also points out Lever Park across the road, which was a gift from Lord Leverhulme, the soap magnate and great benefactor to his home town.
The Crown is one of the few Joseph Holt’s pubs serving not only a range of their own beers including mild, but also beers from other breweries. These may include one from Bank Top, Bolton’s longest established brewery. Other beers are from local micro breweries or from Chorlton, part of the Holt’s stable.
Bev Parker, who runs The Crown with husband, Gary added: “The pub now looks amazing and everyone who has come in is thrilled by the renovation. So, we’re really looking forward to taking our historical pub into the future.”