Popular former pub landlords to make grand return to Warrington

Christine and Jim Hartley were the landlords of The Pickering Arms, on Bell Lane in Thelwall, for around seven years.

However, three years ago the couple left Warrington to head to north Yorkshire and then moved on to The Ship Inn in Wincle, where they have been for the past two years.

But, due to how remote the pub is, Christine and Jim have decided to head back to Warrington.

“It’s absolutely fantastic, we love everything about it but unfortunately it’s so remote and we’re right on a hill,” said Christine.

“When the weather changes, we don’t get people coming down. It’s fantastic in the summertime but in the winter it’s not so good.

“We basically can’t make ends meet here, and so we’ve decided to find something closer to where we know.

“It’s such a hard industry to be in at the moment and if you’ve not got the right pub in the right area then it can be quite difficult.”

Christine and Jim are set to take on the Wheatsheaf Inn (Image: Google Maps)

Luckily, the Wheatsheaf in Lymm came up and the couple jumped at the opportunity to take it on.

“We applied and we got accepted for it, which is fantastic, because they don’t come up often, pubs like that,” said Christine.

“[Running a pub] is what Jim and I live for and where better to do it than somewhere we’ve already done it.”

Christine, 57, and Jim, 56, are incredibly excited to return to Warrington and to keep doing what they’re passionate about.

“I spent a lot of time in Warrington, we’ve met a lot of people, and we’ve got a lot of friends,” said Christine.

“Our daughter and our grandchildren will be much closer to us, so for me that is the biggest bonus. It will be lovely going back.

“We just want to come back and do what we do best.”

The husband-and-wife-duo are set to open the Wheatsheaf, on Higher Lane, on January 22.

They are currently searching for members of staff, including front of house, chefs, and bar staff.

To get in touch about any openings, email hartleyjs6@yahoo.com.