Preston's Stanley Arms pub opening date and name change after £150k refurbishment
The Stanley Arms in Preston city centre will change its name for the first time in its 170-year history when it reopens later this month.
The new owners of the Grade II-listed pub in Lancaster Road will reopen the historic boozer on Friday, November 22 - and it will now be known as Stanley & Co.
The rebrand is part of a £150,000 refurbishment which will transform the historic alehouse into a modern sports bar.
The revamp will give the pub the “wow factor it deserves”, say Heineken-owned Star Pubs and Chorley-based Blind Tiger Inns, who also run The Station pub in Preston’s Butler Street.
The Stanley is being completely renovated inside and out, but its new owners say some of its original features will be retained - including the old fireplace and wall panelling.
The pub company said these period features will be complemented by modern décor, including stripped timber floors, ‘stylish’ tile work and hand-painted murals.
It will also boast a number of large-screen TVs showing Sky Sports, TNT and pay-per-view channels, as well “state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems”.
A more ‘contemporary’ look was needed to take the pub in the “new direction it needs to thrive”, says David Pritchard, Star Pubs’ regional operations director.
He told the Post: “We’re delighted to be investing in giving The Stanley Arms the new direction it needs to thrive.
"Blind Tiger Inns has earned a reputation for creating outstanding pubs that are highly popular across Lancashire and the wider North West.
"Their plans will give The Stanley Arms the wow factor it deserves.”
Blind Tiger Inns modernised the Townley Arms in Longridge last year with a £170,00 refurbishment. For an idea of what the ‘new’ Stanley Arms might look like, take at look at these pictures from the revamped Townley Arms here.
The rebrand will also see café-style seating added to the front, as well as a new awning and signage bearing its name new - Stanley & Co - ahead of its reopening on Friday, November 22.
Blind Tiger Inns managing director Chris Tulloch added: “The Stanley Arms has always been a well-known pub but has lost its way in recent times.
“Our aim is to put it back on the map as a fantastic place where people can safely enjoy sports, socialising and a great time in beautiful surroundings.”