The Swan and Chequers reopens after refurb
The design scheme also features influences from Victorian London’s underground and the old industrialised city, featuring brown chequered tile work and bespoke designed mid-century pendant lighting
The Swan and Chequers pub in Sandbach has reopened after undergoing an “extensive refurbishment” following a substantial investment of £1.25m by its pub operator, Robinson Brewery.
The new pub now seats 90 people inside, with space for a further 90 outside in the courtyard.
From the curbside, there are some “subtle” changes, with new outdoor lanterns and wrought iron gates.
The original stained glass windows have been refurbished and the projecting hotel sign has also been restored.
Structurally the internal walls have been removed to create a large open-plan bar area and
columns have been added to the main bar area stylised with cast iron Corinthians capitals and floating poser tables.
The interior has also been designed with a British mid-century era in mind, especially inspired by the site’s earlier links to Winston Churchill’s speech on the balcony in 1945.
The design scheme also features influences from Victorian London’s underground and the old industrialised city, featuring brown chequered tile work and bespoke designed mid-century pendant lighting.
The fixed seating has also been designed to mirror the seat design of the old underground tube trains using the same fabrics used on the 1950s metropolitan tube line, with overhanging old railway pendant lighting.
The design team at Robinsons has painted two full wall-length murals featuring a mural of Winston Churchill with his famous quote ‘If you’re going through hell, keep going’.
The wall is completed with red poppies signifying the fallen soldiers and a nod to Churchill’s life as prime minister with a replica of 10 Downing Street’s door built in.
On the other wall, the team has painted swans and wildlife.
Licensees Matt and Jaki Hurst said: “Our newly refurbished pub/bar was very well received over the weekend! Customers enjoyed our new seating area outside in the sunshine, and we look forward to continued success.
“It’s been amazing meeting new customers as well as old. We’re also excited to launch our food menu this Thursday, with dishes such as homemade sourdough pizzas, kebabs, smashed burgers, a soft-shell crab burger and 13 small plates to choose from. We can’t wait for everyone to try them.”
William Robinson, joint managing director, said: “The company has owned this pub since the early 1900’s. Investing in this innovative and modern design scheme is part of our ongoing commitment to delivering the best pubs for the communities that they serve.”