The Woodlands pub in Saint Helens has reopened its doors following a major £390k investment from Punch Pubs & Co.
Having closed this September, the much-loved local has undergone a complete transformation – inside and out – and now stands proudly ready to surprise and delight regulars and new guests alike.
Leading the pub is Management Partner Jordan Sadler, who has been at the helm for two years, and couldn’t wait to welcome guests back to their local. He said: “Closing for six weeks was a big deal, but we were confident that our guests would be positively surprised by the changes at their local. We know that the Woodlands is a fantastic pub, which is well-loved locally, and the decision to invest in it had the community at the forefront. We’ve changed the pub for the better, expanded our food and drinks, created a warmer, more welcoming space, and we endeavour to keep it an inclusive hub for everyone to enjoy.”
The £390k renovation has transformed every part of the pub. Starting with an upgraded exterior, featuring new signage, landscaping, and a revitalised beer garden. The outdoor area now includes a children’s play area, upcycled dining furniture, hanging baskets, and a covered pergola illuminated with festoon lights, making it ideal for socialising all year round.
Inside, the pub has been completely reimagined, from the bar and restaurant to the toilets; every detail has been thoughtfully restored. The new look blends textured and patterned wallpaper in earthy tones of green, burnt orange and nude, which are brought to life with decorative lighting and a mix of new and reupholstered furniture. New artwork brings a playful vibe to the pub, celebrating darts culture and the rich industrial heritage of Saint Helens.
Known for its strong sporting spirit, the revamped Woodlands boasts multiple professional darts boards, two of which feature live cameras, creating a sports-dedicated zone which keeps the fun while offering a quieter space for families and solo diners. With close ties to Saint Helens Rugby Club, sport remains central to the pub’s identity, with the addition of a purpose-built TV screen being installed outdoors to give guests front row viewing to some of the world’s biggest sporting events.
Celebrating the reopening last weekend, Jordan was thrilled with the pub’s transformation. “Everything looks amazing,” he said. “It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come and the comparison of what the pub looked like before, to where we are now. I want to say a huge thank you to Punch for investing in this pub and in the community. We’re proud to welcome guests back to their local, and we’re looking forward to continuing to celebrate with them once again.”
Alongside the visual transformation of the Woodlands, guests can now also enjoy a brand-new food and drinks menu. From hearty pub classics like sausage and mash, beer-battered fish and chips and grilled gammon, to favourites like chicken tikka masala and vegetable lasagne, ensuring there’s a dish to suit every taste.
And no matter whether you’re stopping by for drinks with friends or joining the family for a bite to eat, Jordan and the team have curated a drinks menu to suit every occasion, all guaranteed to be served with the warmest welcome.
The Woodlands pub officially reopened on Saturday, 25th of October. More information about their upcoming events can be found on their website and social media.