A magical pub has been given a major six-figure revamp
Our Pub of the Week has just undergone a major refurbishment(Image: Almond Family Pubs)
Can you really look away from a pub given such a charming namesake as the Puss in Boots? Well, the answer is, quite obviously, no.
Over in Offerton, the beloved pub has just reopened after a major three-week closure which has seen it receive a complete refurbishment at the cost of more than £400,000. Ran by the Stockport-based pub company Almond Family Pubs for the last 16 years as part of a joint partnership with Robinsons Brewery, the venue has been at the heart of the local community since the 1970s.
The revamp, led by the architects team at Fusion By Design, has seen the ‘much-loved’ Nangreave Road venue retain its traditional pub character, whilst incorporating soft lighting and layered textures for a new, elevated feel. The refurbishment also includes warm panelling, luxurious seating and a refreshed bar area featuring antique mirrors, brass fittings, and rich finishes.
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It has also introduced a new summer menu, featuring a varied line-up of dishes including Panko Fried Feta Salad, Teriyaki Salmon Bowls and Steak Frites, but long-time fans of its famous carvery will be pleased to know it’s still continuing and is served every day.
But before its revamp, ‘The Puss’ already had a pretty impressive reputation. A few years ago, it was nominated for the Best Family Pub at the Great British Pub Awards thanks to its expanded outdoor area and its kids play area.
For our Pub of the Week feature this week, we’ve turned to general manager Nick Bateson to find out more about what makes the Puss in Boots so special, who some of their most famous guests are, and how it got its magical name.
The Puss in Boots pub in Offerton recently reopened following a major £400k revamp(Image: Almond Family Pubs)
How did you get into the pub industry in the first place?
I’ve been in the hospitality industry all of my working life really. Throughout my 20s and early 30s, I worked over in Greece managing bars there. I loved it, but the draw of the proper Northern pub pulled me back over to the UK.
I’ve been working with the Almond family for nearly 15 years and have been the general manager of the Puss in Boots for nearly 13 years. It’s more than a job for me – it’s my career but also my home. I’ve bought my children up here and I absolutely love the place. Never more so than now it’s had this stunning refurbishment.
I’m over the moon with the work that has been completed. Many of my regulars commented that ‘The Puss’ didn’t need a refurb, but we knew it was the right decision. Offerton deserves a community pub to be proud of, and we’ve certainly given them that. The Puss in Boots has always attracted guests from near and far and I’m excited to welcome even more through our doors in the coming weeks.
The pub sells a lot of lager and ales, but it has also emerged as a popular spot for spritz and cocktails(Image: Almond Family Pubs)
What is the significance behind the pub’s name?
Our brewery is Robinsons and we inherited the name from them. I believe back in the day Robinsons named a few of their newest pubs after fairy tales and that’s where the ‘Puss in Boots’ came from.
It’s definitely a little bit confusing for anyone Googling us, but we’ve been fondly known as ‘The Puss’ by our locals and regulars for a good time now.
What’s your best-selling drink?
Like most pubs, lager is our most popular drink, but we offer a wide selection on top of this.
In fact, we’ve just launched a brand-new cocktail and spritz menu and we’re always looking a new low and no alcohol options as many of our guests are more mindful these days.
The cosy pub is loved by the likes of Blossoms and Will Mellor(Image: Almond Family Pubs)
Have there been any famous or notable guests who have visited?
There’s been loads! Stockport’s favourite band Blossoms are known regulars – they’re lovely lads, we love welcoming them. Will Mellor has also joined us a few times over the years and Chelsea Norris joined us the weekend we opened, which was fantastic.
What is it about your local community that you love?
Honestly, the Offerton community is amazing! The amount of feedback we received when we were closed about how much we were missed was unbelievable. It’s important to me to get to know my guests and over the years many of our regular patrons have become more like friends.
The new-look pub is full of quirks and charms that make The Puss stand out(Image: Almond Family Pubs)
Many of my regulars commented that ‘The Puss’ didn’t really need a refurb, but we knew it was the right decision. Offerton deserves a community pub to be proud of, and we’ve certainly given them that.
How can people support their local pub?
It’s no secret that the hospitality industry is struggling, but we’re really fortunate to be the go-to venue locally for events such as wakes, birthdays and even wedding reception.
It’s really important to us that guests feel they can trust us for their big occasions.
The Puss in Boots is on 147 Nangreave Rd, Heaviley, Cheshire, Stockport SK2 6DG. Follow on Facebook.