An historic Congleton town centre inn will reopen as a pub with the community firmly at its heart, following a major refit.
Ye Olde Kings Arms will open on Thursday, 13 November, under the ownership of Titanic Brewery.
Experienced pub manager Kathy Morton (pictured) is overseeing the transformation of the 16th Century pub which has perhaps been best known for late night opening and loud music in recent times.
But Titanic Brewery has based its success on a belief in community pubs and Kathy is happy to say that the Burslem brewery’s winning formula will serve the people of Congleton well.
“We’re here to serve anyone who is looking for good beer, wine and food in a convivial and comfortable setting,” said Kathy, “Titanic has had great success opening pubs against a backdrop of closures because of their belief in the great British pub.
“Managing Director, Keith Bott, has described the pub as the original social network and the brewery has a simple philosophy which involves providing adults of all ages with a place to meet, talk and enjoy a drink in comfortable surroundings.
“We won’t be opening until the early hours, as has happened here in the recent past, and we don’t even have a TV, but we will encourage the use of our pub for community groups and visitors during the colder months will enjoy roaring fires.”
Changing three gas fires for real coal fires is among the talking points of a sympathetic refit of the historic High Street building.
Kathy, who has formerly managed pubs in Cornwall and Staffordshire, has now moved into Ye Olde Kings Arms ahead of the mid-November opening.
“I love pubs and was really attracted to taking on a pub for Titanic Brewery for that reason. I have watched the company grow and I like their community ethos,” said Kathy.
Ye Olde Kings Arms is currently looking for a chef along with kitchen and bar staff and Kathy would be happy to hear from potential applicants.
She added: “It is a pub steeped in history and the brewery has worked hard to carry-out a sympathetic refit. The beams in the pub are original and are said to have been reclaimed from 600 year old galleons.
“I’ve also been told the story about how condemned men were brought to the pub through an underground passage from Congleton’s old court house to enjoy a last drink. Its history adds to a fantastic, atmospheric pub and I’m looking forward to living here and serving the people of Congleton.”
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact Nigel Howle on 07762043436 or email [email protected]
Notes to Editors:
For further information about Titanic Brewery and its award winning beers visit the company’s website at www.titanicbrewery.co.uk Titanic Brewery was founded in Burslem in 1985 and has grown to produce more than 2.3 million pints of fine ale every year. It is owned by Stafford born brothers Keith and Dave Bott. Keith is Chairman of SIBA, the society of independent brewers. The brewery name is in recognition of Stoke-on-Trent as the birthplace of Captain Edward Smith, Master of the ill-fated Titanic ocean liner.
The Titanic fleet –
The Bulls Head, St John’s Square, Burslem
The Greyhound, George Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme
The White Star, Kingsway, Stoke
The Royal Exchange, Radford Street, Stone.
The Sun Inn, Lichfield Street, Stafford.
The Roebuck, Derby Street, Leek.
The Hollybush, Seighford.
The Cheshire Cheese, High Street, Buxton.
Ye Olde Kings Arms, 1 High Street, Congleton.