Newton: Business owner revamps Wargrave Hacienda Mexican restaurant

With his family owning a chain of restaurants in Mexico, Mexican food and the hospitality business are deeply engrained in Manuel Martinez.

After learning his trade in the family business, Manuel continued to work in hotels and restaurants when he moved to England back in 2010, but always had the long-term goal of operating an authentic Mexican restaurant.

Taking over the Wargrave Inn pub in 2013, Manuel slowly began to add food options over the years, and following popular feedback and an extension of the building, he revamped the business to expand its restaurant service last week. 

A selection of the Mexican food on offer at the Wargrave Hacienda (Image: Wargrave Hacienda) While the 'Wargrave Hacienda' still retains a bar and drinks area, which includes an array of drinks options and live sports, last week's revamp introduced more seating options across the building.

With a mouth-watering selection of traditional Mexican meals and street food, such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas, Manuel hopes that the revamp will encourage more customers to the Wargrave Road venue.

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The restaurant also has grilled meat and seafood options, and fosters an authentic experience with its colourful interior and Mexican-themed posters and murals adorning the walls.

Inside the bar area at the Wargrave Hacienda (Image: St Helens Star) Dad-of-two Manuel, who also studied a Restaurant and Hotel Management degree after moving to England, said: "After I moved to England, I worked in a hotel and restaurant but always had the goal to open my own restaurant to celebrate authentic Mexican food.

"Over the years, there have been different things to manage but now it feels like the right time to focus on the restaurant service.

"Our customers are loving our food and I think people are more and more willing to try different cuisines.

"It has taken a lot of time and a lot of money to get here so I am excited to have this extra focus on the restaurant service."

The business has expanded its restaurant service (Image: Wargrave Hacienda) With further plans to launch lunch options and increase opening hours, the Wargrave Hacienda is open from Wednesday to Sunday on Wargrave Road, Newton-le-Willows.

The Wargrave Hacienda, on Wargrave Road (Image: St Helens Star)