MP reopens pub after Â£200,000 refurbishment

MP Seema Kennedy pulls the first pint of the Kick Off beer at the opening of the refurbished Pear Tree pub in Penwortham

The Pear Tree in Penwortham was reopened after being closed for four weeks for a refurbishment, and the South Ribble MP pulled a pint of Kick Off, in celebration of the Euros, to mark the pub’s revival.

The refurbishment was by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and Bars and new licensee Tim Hughes, and Mrs Kennedy was the first to make a booking for the pub’s new dining area.

Mr Hughes said: “I’m an old fashioned kind of licensee and our aim is to offer all the best attributes of a traditional pub with something for the whole community from food and coffee to sports and special events and always a warm welcome.”

He added: “The Pear Tree was looking pretty sorry for itself when I first saw it. Now, it looks fantastic and I’m thrilled to be able to give it back to the community.”

Changes to the pub include the kitchen, garden, cellar and toilets, and five new jobs have been created.

Mrs Kennedy said: “It is great to see the development of local businesses. Pubs can be such a great community asset and to see this level of investment is fantastic.”