Red Lion team call time on community pub 'with a heavy heart'

Weaver Valley Co-operative, who run the Red Lion, have announced 'with a heavy heart' they are reluctantly moving out of the Wharton Road pub.

The team say they faced eviction unless they endorsed a fully tied agreement to buy all their drinks from landlord Punch Pubs & Co.

The proposed three-year deal, they said, proved too limited and expensive, and with no right to renew at the end of the term, did not provide sufficient security for the future.

Alice Johnson, 33, a member of the Co-op team, said: "We have made the tough decision that we will not be signing the new deal proposed by Punch.

"The way our business model works means this just isn't sustainable for us.

"Being fully tied to a limited range of drinks isn't what excites us. We love to source new products and meet independent companies so we can offer a diverse menu and still have a budget for live music."

The Red Lion team look back on happy memories

The Red Lion team look back on happy memories

Damon Horrill, a volunteer trustee of the Co-op, said the pub, run as a community business, had been transformed over the past 13 years into a vibrant hub for musicians, artists, voluntary groups and charities.

READ > Winsford Ponda's Chemist has new owners in £1m takeover deal

"It is not just a pub, " said Damon, who lived in a flat on the premises. "We created a community and grew local talent, art and music. Locals ran it and locals loved it. It was like a big family.

Live music filled the pub with fun and energy

Live music filled the pub with fun and energy

"We made it a welcoming place for walkers, boaters, ramblers and visitors. We promoted the heritage and culture of the town.It was really important to keep the connection with the river. It was a great space for Winsford.

"We want to celebrate what we have achieved. We are left with great memories."

Local musicians showcased their talent at open mic sessions

Local musicians showcased their talent at open mic sessions

Neil Dawson, operations director for Punch Pubs & Co, said:“I can confirm that the Red Lion remains an important part of the Punch portfolio, and we are in the process of finalising the recruitment process for a new publican who will take over soon.

"We remain in open communication with Mr Horrill during his transition to leave the pub."

Alice, who spent 10 years at The Red Lion, has teamed up with music promoter Martin Moseley, Elisha Smith and Andrea Taylor to open a new venue.

They are turning the former Rango's in Delamere Street into a unique hub where people can relax and be inspired.

Eve's is set to open in May and will serve craft beer, cocktails and Neapolitan style pizzas.

Eve's, a new venue serving craft beer, cocktails and Neapolitan style pizzas in Delamere Street

Eve's, a new venue serving craft beer, cocktails and Neapolitan style pizzas in Delamere Street

Alice said: "Eve's has been an idea that myself and Elisha have dreamt about ever since we started working together many moons ago.

"With the craft beer scene exploding, our love for cocktails, freshly sourced ingredients to make a cracking zero waste menu and of course music, all of this will be revealed come May.

"The Gate will be ready to receive the community outdoors in April as will our other sister venue The Kings Lock in Middlewich."