By Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
One of the most historic pubs in Southport will enjoy a £600,000 transformation this summer.
The Grade II Listed Hesketh Arms, on Botanic Road in Churchtown Village, will be refurbished by owners Vintage Inns with customers soon able to enjoy a number of improvements.
Changes will include a beautiful outdoor area, with festoon lighting, planters and outdoor speakers for background music; a makeover of the gents’ and ladies’ toilets; a reconfiguration of the bar to create a new cocktail station; plus brand new seating in the dining room and pub snug.
The Hesketh Arms was originally built as four fisherman’s cottages before being converted into a pub, serving local families since 1704.
It was previously known as ‘The Black Bull’ and was operated in its early years by WD ‘Duke’ Sutton, the founder of Southport.
The pub provides employment for 25 local people and plays an active part in the local community.
Hesketh Arms landlord Dave Langshaw said: “The amount of work going into this project is huge!
“These are exciting times for The Hesketh Arms with a number of improvements in the pipeline.
“Our last day of service before we close for refurbishment will be on Sunday 7th July 2024 before we reopen on Sunday 4th August 2024.
“We are really keen to protect and to improve this landmark building and to restore some of its historic features.
“Work will be done to restore the old Hesketh Arms wrought iron sign and provide new signage in the car park.
“The outside area will look fantastic when we introduce the new planters, new garden furniture, new festoon lighting, and speakers in the doorway to provide some background music.
“All the changes being made will be very much in keeping with the character and heritage of The Hesketh Arms and with Churchtown Village.
“The Hesketh Arms has a fabulous reputation already but Vintage Inns is determined to make a substantial investment to make it even better.”
Dave recently signed up to take part in the 2024 Jail and Bail challenge to raise funds for Queenscourt Hospice.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Dave is among a dozen local people who have agreed to be ‘locked up’ and complete a number of fun challenges in the fun charity initiative.
The Hesketh Arms collected chocolate Easter eggs for children at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool; invited customers to donate gifts for children in need at Christmas; and regularly supports Village events such as the Churchtown Christmas Fayre.
A planning application has been submitted to Sefton Council by Boyer, on behalf of the owners.
In their submission, Boyer said: “The proposed alterations will not compromise the aesthetic, architectural or historic interest of the public house and shall maintain the operation and trade through the provision of a high-quality scheme that is sensitive to its surrounding context.
Image: Vintage Inns
“The proposed works seek to ensure the public house will continue to be a vibrant destination, assisting in helping to retain and attract new patrons.”
The Hesketh Arms is recognised as a Grade II Listed building and lies within the Churchtown Conservation Area.
Other changes proposed include:
Internal
- Existing carpet to be replaced with new timber flooring within central snug area
- Replacement of existing glasswash screen and installation of new which shall be overclad with timber of the customer side to create an aesthetically pleasing finish
- Removal of lobby screen and side door along with repairs to internal wall, floor and ceiling for the purposes of redecoration
- Refurbishment of both women’s and gents toilet facilities including the replacement of existing flooring with timber effect vinyl sheets, removal of internal doors, installation of new vanity unit and relocation of current screen
Image: Vintage Inns
External
- External refurbishment works including the replacement of damaged paving stones, new ironmongery to existing door and making good existing columns, timber fascia and decorative mouldings
- Installation of 6no. new low level bollard lights
Boyer said: “The scheme simply looks to make more efficient use of the current space on site to enhance the overall customer experience and in doing so to support the Hesketh Arms’ long term vitality and viability.
Image: Vintage Inns
“No changes are proposed to the opening hours.
“The design is reflective of the high-quality nature of the Mitchells & Butlers approach to their estate, and the proposals will form an attractive, bespoke, and inviting environment.”
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