The New Albion pub in Widnes has reopened following a £230k investment with leading pub company Punch Pubs & Co.
The former Cookhouse pub closed mid-February but reopened dramatically on Monday the 24th of March exhibiting an exciting new look, features and menu, which was eagerly anticipated by the community who received daily updates and progress pictures.
Setting its eyes on being the hub of the community, locals were thrilled to be involved in the reopening of their local with an online competition to rename the New Albion’s outdoor bar going viral. Within 24 hours of launching, the competition had amassed over 400 comments, and MPs Stephen and Jake were blown away by the support.
Stephen said: “The past few days have been a whirlwind, but so much fun, as we begin to meet our locals and the wider community. Jake and I are both so grateful to everyone who has supported our venture, came to our family and friends party, and visited the pub on our opening day.
“We’ve had great feedback so far and it’s a privilege to be behind a pub that has the community at the heart. The pub also looks fantastic, and better than we ever imagined. A huge thank you to all the helpers, our Operations Manager, Tina and the Punch team who enabled this to happen.”
The New Albion’s outdoor space has garnered mass appeal, not only for its outdoor bar, but the huge area can seat 150 guests acting as a suntrap during the warmer months.
Seizing the opportunity to cater to sports enthusiasts, the New Albion has reopened with a major focus on sports and entertainment. With the addition of 13 screens, the pub now offers an unparalleled sports viewing experience and is the perfect venue for local teams and sports fans to gather, enjoy pre-match drinks, and celebrate their favourite games.
Entertainment doesn’t just come in the form of sports, playing a pivotal role in the relaunch of the community pub is the introduction of an exciting quiz night, live music and community and charity events throughout the year.
Aesthetically, the pub has undergone a stunning transformation to create a warm and inviting environment. New fixtures, fittings, carpets, and bric-a-brac enhance the calming ambience of the New Albion’s restaurant space and lounge area, while the decor features cool tones and dark fabrics, complemented by bright pendant lights, making it a cosy and welcoming spot for all guests.
Aside from the dining space, and in keeping with the community feel, guests can also bring out their competitive side in the pub’s game room equipped with state-of-the-art darts boards and a pool table within a contemporary, yet friendly setting. The pub has also launched their free pool Wednesday offer, which is expected to be a hit with guests.
The pub’s generously sized function room has also had a glow-up, offering a safe and welcoming space for local community groups, clubs, or occasions to be celebrated, as the new MPs continue in their pledge to foster a strong-knit community spirit.
Another new feature, and to their guests’ delight, the new New Albion has adopted a brand new menu and Chef Shaun has endeavoured to ensure it includes a dish for everyone to enjoy. The menu comprises pub classics and indulgent flavours from hearty pies with buttery mash to beer-battered fish and chips, chicken platters and salads – not forgetting its popular Sunday roasts which have also made a very welcomed return.
Punch Pubs & Co Operations Manager Tina Igo shared her excitement about the pub’s reopening. She said: “This has been an ambitious project, with hundreds of hours of hard work going into this investment – but it has been more than worth the wait. Stephen and Jake are fantastic operators, with an incredibly supportive team around them, and I have no doubt that they will have a successful future here in Widnes.
“We haven’t stopped there, there’s still much more to come and the excitement has only just started. Thank you to the community for their support too, we’re proud to deliver a pub that they’re proud of.”
The pub officially reopened on Monday, the 24th of March, but welcomed family and friends for a taster evening on Saturday, the 22nd of March.
Guests can find further information or bookings available on the New Albion’s website and social media pages.
Visit the website: The New Albion – Our Local Pub
Photography: courtesy of Nick Short Photography