A COMMUNITY pub that has experienced some difficulties in recent years is set to reopen after a huge renovation project.

With Lowton residents noticing the closure of the Church Inn pub in recent weeks, Admiral Taverns confirmed that this was a temporary measure as the pub was being refurbished.

The Newton Road pub had previously closed for 18 months during the pandemic, where there were fears that the building may be sold off and converted into alternative use, but after its latest period of closure, new landlords Esther Ryan and Jason Dennan are set to reopen the pub on Friday, July 12.

The Church Inn has been a popular pub over the yearsThe Church Inn has been a popular pub over the years (Image: Google Maps)
With the Church Inn reopening under Admiral Taverns 'Proper Pubs' division, £265,000 has been invested to transform the inside bar area, as well as the venue's beer garden and the building's paintwork and signage.

The Newton Road pub will also offer a range of premium drinks and bar snacks, and plans to host live music events, quiz nights, darts teams, and coffee mornings.

The new landlords, who have nine years' experience working in the pub industry, will also host several fundraising days to support causes close to their hearts.

Esther said: “Jason and I are absolutely delighted to be taking over The Church Inn – the pub looks fantastic already and we can’t wait to welcome all our customers, both old and new, into the pub to showcase the phenomenal transformation.

"Moving forward, we will be sure to support the community in any way we can, starting by raising money to have a lifesaving defibrillator installed as well as collecting money for the local food bank.

"Pubs are such a vital part of community life so we can’t wait for The Church Inn to become the hub of Lowton.”

Former Leigh MP James Grundy marking the reopening of the pub in 2021Former Leigh MP James Grundy marking the reopening of the pub in 2021 (Image: Kevin Parry)
Operations Director for Proper Pubs, added: “I’m particularly excited about the opening of The Church Inn, especially since it marks the opening of our sixth mid-market site!

"The team has been working exceptionally hard behind the scenes to complete the refurbishment and to ensure those final finishing touches are in place ahead of reopening in a couple of weeks’ time.

On behalf of Proper Pubs, I’d like to welcome our fantastic community heroes, Esther and Jason to the pub and of course wish them the very best of luck in making it a vibrant social hub for local residents to enjoy.”

Set to reopen at 8pm on Friday, July 12, the Church Inn will provide a prosecco reception and entertainment from a local soul singer. The pub will also offer drinks promotions throughout the week.