The Red Lion at Pickmere proudly reopens its doors, following a much needed extension and refurbishment project which started in February 2012. This joint investment between Robinsons Brewery of Stockport and the Broad Oak Pub company has seen a massive investment to revitalise the once run down establishment: the single biggest capital expenditure project on the Robinsons estate in over five years.
Originally purchased as a traditional community pub in 2009, the Red Lion has always been a hub for social gatherings and a decision to completely renovated means customers can now enjoy a pub both bigger and better on all fronts: from the cellar to the roof, and everything in between, this refurbishment project became a rebuild.
Darren Sayle, Director of The Broad Oak Pub Company, also runs two other Robinsons pubs in Cheshire- the Parr Arms in Grappenhall and the White Lion in Alvanley.
“The general condition of the building was in a very poor condition,” explains Darren. “More work than first envisaged was required and for a large amount of time the roof completely disappeared! In addition to this, services were not deemed suitable and we needed to have a new supply installed for all the major utilities. This is our second development with Robinsons and the design team working on this development have worked hard, listening to our very specific refurbishment requirements whilst also taking into consideration the pub’s surroundings.”
Darren continues, “Not only have we made the pub look better, but we have also invested in the things people don’t necessarily see; such as the new roof and cellar. We are proud to say that, together with Robinsons brewery, we have secured the foundations and the future of the building itself for many decades to come.”
It’s fair to say that the Red Lion has been given a new lease of life! New features include, a substantial new catering kitchen, new washroom facilities and a state of the art cellar featuring a high-tech heat recovery unit (warm air extracted from the cellar is recovered and pumped back into the heating system to save energy). A new orangery, carefully designed to complement the vernacular of the existing house, overlooks the newly landscaped gardens…and a new roof keeps the northern rain off people’s heads.
Additionally, the outside grounds have also been fully rejuvenated now featuring a new lawn, a rich planting scheme, outside seating, and a brand new adventure play area to keep the under 11’s occupied.
Inside, the refurbishment features interior-cosy pockets: mood lighting, original oak beams, real fires, and an array of textures create the perfect drinking and dining experience. A sympathetic colour palette, used with washed paint finishes to reflect the character of the original building, complements a selection of innovative wallpapers and fabrics. Sections of deep buttoned fixed seating have been introduced, appealing very much to larger dining parties. In addition an eclectic mix of loose furniture has been used with feature fabrics adding a great impact.
Sure to attract new customers from near and far, a warm welcome is guaranteed at the Red Lion now boasting three real fires, delicious home cooked food, four traditional cask conditioned award winning ales, four draught lagers, craft beers, an exclusive single malt whisky range, and an extensive wine selection.
For further information visit www.theredlionpickmere.com or our sister pub’s website www.whitelionalvanley.com
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For further information please contact Daniella.Martin@frederic-
Photo 1: Red Lion Refurbishment
Photo 2: Red Lion Extension