Scenes from Easter Weekend at 'Owd Nells Tavern as it officially reopens following shock closure
Take a look at the scenes at ’Owd Nells Tavern over the Easter Weekend as it offically reopened at last.
The iconic ’Owd Nells Tavern at the Thatched Hamlet in Bilsborrow has officially opened after its shock closure in February.
Thatched Hamlet, a 65-room canal-side hotel and restaurant on St Michael’s Road was shut with immediate effect with notices found taped to the entrance and staff made redundant.
But thankfully Bowland Inns and Hotels came to the rescue with a buyout back in March.
A major rolling refurbishment programme was launched to restore the site to its former glory and it reopened this week - just in time for Easter.
Our photographer headed down to capture some of the scenes of punters and staff enjoying being back in the pub at last.
Owd Nells was certainly nice and busy on Easter Saturday but the weather was not the best so we look forward to returning to capture the scenes once the sun rears its head again soon too!
Ahead of the Easter weekend, a spokesperson for new owners, Bowland Inns & Hotels, said: “We are pleased to confirm that ’Owd Nells Tavern at the Thatched Hamlet is now officially open for business, following a successful soft launch earlier this week.
“While the team has only held the keys for a matter of days, work is already underway across the site.
“The initial focus is on bringing the bars and dining spaces back to life, with a wider programme of refurbishment planned for the bedrooms and pavilions later this year.
“This marks the beginning of a careful and considered restoration of The Thatched Hamlet, ensuring the character of the site is retained while steadily improving the overall offer.
“With Easter approaching and the canalside setting coming into its own, the venue is once again open for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.”
The business, known for its rustic theme and thatched roofs, had been run by the Wilkinson family since 1980 and includes the 200-cover traditional pub Owd Nell’s Tavern, 175-cover Guy’s Eating Establishment which serves Italian cuisine, 80-cover Tommy Hatton’s Function Room off of the cricket grounds and The Boddington Pavilion function room next to the bowling green.
The almost 14 acre complex is well known for its community events including hosting the weekend-long Oyster Festival with live music and family entertainment every September, as well as regularly hosting community sporting fixtures and special events during the school holidays, from fairs to ice rinks.
The canal-side venue is now open daily from 8am for breakfast, with food served throughout the day alongside a full drinks offering, including cask ales from Bowland Brewery.
Rooms are also open and welcoming bookings as the venue begins a new era under Bowland Inns & Hotels, who acquired the venue after it closed suddenly in February.