The Olde Barbridge Inn, a beloved village pub in Nantwich, has reopened under new management after a £500k investment from Punch Pubs & Co.
The pub has been beautifully transformed and will now be managed by experienced hospitality professionals Helen and Jamie, who are eager to bring their vision to life and restore the pub to its former glory.
Helen said: “Jamie and I were immediately drawn to the pub’s picturesque setting, with its beautiful beer garden and close access to the canal. Barbridge is a small but charming village, and we were inspired by its potential and the challenge of starting it up again from scratch.”
The duo’s primary focus is to bring the pub back to the heart of the community, emphasising local engagement and support for charities. Their ambition is to put The Olde Barbridge back on the map as a premier venue for drinks, food, and entertainment, while maintaining its local charm.
Since reopening the pub in April, Helen and Jamie have been delighted with guest feedback. “The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, which makes this whole process even more exciting,” she continued. “I’m proud of the team, who haven’t worked together before, yet created an amazing experience for our locals who complimented the pub’s new look, food, and overall atmosphere. I think that mostly, we’ve shown that the pub is back to where it should be, at the heart of the village, and it’s our ambition to be here for as long as possible.”
Thanks to the £500k investment, The Olde Barbridge has not only reopened with new Management Partners (MPs) and a new team at the helm, but it has also undergone a major renovation inside and out. Internally, the décor has been completely refreshed, bringing a cleaner and brighter aesthetic with muted sage green colours that complement the wooden furniture, alongside soft furnishings that create a comfy, cosy setting.
The dining space has been broadened, with changes to the old seating plan now creating defined areas for leisurely drinks, dining, or group outings. The old bar has been completely replaced with a new range, featuring a contemporary back bar display and a new selection of world lagers, spirits, wines, cocktails, and soft drinks for guests to enjoy.
Outside, the pub’s beloved beer garden, just a stone’s throw from the Shropshire Union Canal, has also benefited from the redecoration. In time for the warmer months, new benches have been installed, as well as a new play area, plants, and flowers, creating a haven for wildlife and a scenic spot to watch the world go by.
The pub’s new Spring menu has also been a hit with locals. Head Chef Jamie and the team have created a seasonal menu featuring dishes such as pan-fried salmon with mozzarella and pesto pasta, rump of lamb with potato gratin, and homemade pies with all the trimmings. The broad menu also offers set meals and dine-in offers, including their Sunday menu, sharing Tuesday deal, Pie Pairing Wednesday, and Burger Night Thursday, all expected to be popular with locals and passers-by looking for an indulgent treat.
Both Helen and Jamie have extensive experience in the industry. While Jamie takes control of the kitchen and all things culinary, Helen focuses on front-of-house operations. She added, “For us, this doesn’t feel like a job. We both love to meet new people, and take pride in providing a good service and making people happy – that’s why we’ve been doing this for so long. We’ve been lucky enough to run various restaurants and pubs, but we have a really special feeling about The Olde Barbridge, and thanks to the community, we’ve already been made to feel at home.”
Looking ahead, Helen and Jamie have ambitious plans for the future of the pub and are excited to further embed themselves into the community by hosting events, engaging with locals, and offering exceptional drinks and food.
Punch Pubs & Co Operations Manager, Tony Riley, added: “Transforming this beautiful pub has taken a lot of hard work, and it has been more than worth the wait. I’m incredibly proud of Helen, Jamie, and the team, and delighted that the Olde Barbridge is back open and serving the community. I’m confident they will enjoy many years of success here in Barbridge.”
The pub’s revival has been highly anticipated, with encouraging messages and reviews about its return already shared online, including “Exactly what we’ve been looking for, so relaxing and lovely people looking after us,” and “If you’ve never been, you should go, and if it’s an old favourite, you’ll love it even more.”
The Olde Barbridge Inn is now open and welcoming guests, with more information available on their website and social media pages.
Visit The Olde Barbridge website here.