A 240-YEAR-OLD BOLTON PUB WITH 27-YEAR ‘GOOD BEER GUIDE’ STREAK UNDERGOES £400,000 REVAMP
This Bolton 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, 240-year-old watering hole is stepping firmly into the modern 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 multi award-winning pub is owned by Manchester-based Joseph Holt Brewery. The top-to-bottom transformation includes a significantly expanded kitchen, which means the Crown can broaden its menu with classic dishes such as Joseph Holt steak and ale pie. There’s also an extensive new beer garden and a full interior redesign.
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. 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 impressive run in Campaign for Real Ale’s [CAMRA] Good Beer Guide – the UK’s definitive, independent guide to the best pubs, bars, and clubs serving real ale – 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”.
Said landlady Bev Parker, who runs The Crown with husband, Gary: “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.”
Added Mike Gauder: “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”.
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