After a six-week transformation and a £397k investment, the Red Lion in Lowton has roared back to life, welcoming locals with a fresh new look and renewed sense of community.
The impressive investment by leading pub company Punch Pubs & Co, warranted a six-week closure, marking a new chapter for the pub, which has been under the helm of experienced Management Partners Gareth and Marcella Hammond for four years.
The hospitality stars are thrilled with their new-look pub, which is roaring a little louder following record-breaking reopening sales. They shared: “We are both incredibly excited and optimistic of the new opportunities our new look pub provides, which has really set us up for a great summer of trading! We’ve already welcomed many new faces and have been overwhelmed by our guests’ support so far.”
The extensive refurbishment has breathed new life into the Red Lion. From a fully redecorated exterior to a sleek, extended main bar designed to handle the busiest of nights, every corner has been thoughtfully reimagined.
Beyond the transformation to the inside bar, the kitchen has been upgraded, ready for a faster and more efficient service, and walls have been removed to create an open, sociable dining area. The indoor/outdoor pergola has also been extended to create a spacious, flexible dining space, doubling up as a private function room.
Alongside the interior upgrades, the exterior of the pub has also been refreshed with new paint and decorations. One of the standout additions is The Lion’s Den—a fully functional outdoor bar complete with its own cellar and storage. The name, chosen through an online competition involving locals and guests, has already proven to be a popular hit both with guests and Gareth and Marcella themselves, they said: “The outside bar and new pergola have added a new dimension to the pub, elevating us from your day to day boozer to the best looking pub in Lowton. The investment has been a lot of hard work; however, it all feels worth it, the future looks bright, and we are proud of our pub.”
Guests will be pleased to know that entertainment remains at the heart of the Red Lion’s offering. They can look forward to a lively calendar of events, including regular quiz nights, karaoke, board games, pool, and live sports. Gareth and Marcella are also keen to showcase local talent and are inviting bands and artists to take part in their Sunday Jam sessions.
Punch Pubs & Co Operations Manager, Anthony Lover, echoed the enthusiasm of the Red Lion’s reopening, adding: “I’m delighted to have relaunched the Red Lion alongside Gareth, Marcella and the team. These fantastic changes not only give our guests in Lowton and beyond a great community pub, but also provide our Management Partners with a superb business to operate and thrive alongside myself and Punch.”
The reopening hasn’t just boosted sales—it’s also created valuable new job opportunities in the local area. The team has recently welcomed a full-time bar supervisor, a kitchen team member, and three front-of-house staff to support the growing number of guests and events.
“Being able to expand our team as part of this investment has helped us to operate a smoother-running business”, said Gareth. “The team in general are a lot happier in the new space and the beautiful environment they get to work in. But it’s not just ourselves and the team, our guests are loving the upweighted entertainment package, the relaunched food menu, and the bowling community we share our pub grounds with, have already booked their Christmas lunch in with us!”
With a packed line-up of events and activities planned throughout the summer, Gareth, Marcella, and the team have already welcomed many familiar faces—and plenty of new ones—through the doors of their revitalised community pub. They’re excited to keep the momentum going and continue sharing the new-look Red Lion with locals for many years to come.
Website: The Red Lion