As one of Cheshire's oldest pubs, the historic Cock O' Budworth has been providing hospitality to thirsty revellers for over 400 years. Now, the former coaching inn has been given a fresh new look - with nods to its past - and will reopen to the public this week.
The Grade-II listed pub is based on the edge of the village of Great Budworth - known as Cheshire's "most beautiful" village thanks to its cobbled streets and patchwork of quirky oak-beamed houses. The Cock is one of only two remaining pubs in the village and can be found on Cock Lane.
The refurbishment includes renaming many of the rooms throughout the building, including "The Stables" in the salon as guests walk in, a nod to the barn element of the pub formerly used for guest's horses. The Cock of the pub's title also refers to horses, not a cockerel, as many might assume.
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The pub board features cock horses pulling a wagon. And indeed the term is thought to have derived from the 15th century for the extra "cock" horses required to pull a wagon up a hill, which they would have had to do to get to the pub which is just off the main A559 road to Warrington.
Meanwhile outside the venue an old horse carriage has been painted black and planted up with flowers as a quirky feature on arrival to continue that theme. It is set on the original cobblestones outside the pub where there's now a raft of new outdoor benches to sit on.
The pub will reopen to the public on Wednesday this week, and marks the seventh venture for Cheshire Pub Co, the group behind the likes of the Churchill Tree in Nether Alderley, The Ship in Styal and The Frozen Mop in Mobberley. The Cock is however the first partnership for Cheshire Pub Co with Manchester brewer, Joseph Holt.
The relaunch comes after a four-month refurb with new colourways, subtle structural modifications and the use of reclaimed traditional furniture throughout. It includes the main bar area renamed "Drunken Barnaby's", a nod to the earliest known reference to the pub in a 1638 poem by by Richard Braithwaite describing "Drunken Barnaby's visit to the North of England".
At the rear of the pub is a terraced area with tables and chairs for outdoor dining, which leads to a huge beer garden with more seating options - as well as a play area and swings for kids. Bosses say they are also a proud "dog friendly pub" too for those wanting to head along with four legged friends.
The Cock O’ Budworth’s new menu is said to offer ‘food for thought’ and has been designed with the local palette in mind. Seasonal and signature Cheshire Pub Co. dishes such as fish and chips for £15.95, baked-in-the-box camembert sharer at £11.50 and the famous "giant scotch egg" for £9.95 are all on the menu.
It also includes its "nostalgia" section, where you'll find Spam Fritters for £5.95, Chicken Cordon Bleu for £14.50 and Banana Split for £7.50. Bosses say they are placing "particular emphasis on a family offering" with little ones able to play on the rear climbing facilities and in the spacious garden area, or enjoying their colouring collection and children’s menu with all dishes priced at £7.95.
Cheshire Pub Co. bosses said their family’s love for Holt’s beer, and their fond memories of visiting Joseph Holt’s pubs when they were younger, meant that the decision to form a partnership with them now as businessmen was an easy one.
Director Simon Kalton said: "Joseph Holt’s beer is a Manchester institution, and it is a great pleasure to be working with them to deliver something traditional and a little different to the village of Budworth and beyond".
Niall McCloskey, area manager for Joseph Holt added: "We are excited about this new collaboration which aims to enhance both brands, adding great Manchester beer to a great Cheshire based pub operation."
Matt Parker, Managing Director for Cheshire Pub Co. said: "It’s been an exciting journey already here in Great Budworth. We look forward to providing an offering which attracts local guests and those from afar looking for a premium pub offering and great value which doesn’t compromise on quality.
"There is no doubt that all pubs will have a challenging year ahead, but we are confident this new partnership will be a positive journey for Cheshire Pub Co. and Joseph Holt, as well as the local community."
The reopening of The Cock comes amid rapid expansion for Cheshire Pub Co, who most recently launched The Space Invader pub in Goostrey after an extensive refurb of the former Red Lion pub in the South Cheshire village. Next up will be the opening of the group's first bistro restaurant, The Rascal and Radical, in Tarporley, hopefully by April.
The Cock O’ Budworth will officially open its doors this Wednesday, February 22, but the team are also welcoming anyone from the village of Great Budworth and the surrounding areas to the launch party on the evening of Tuesday, February 21.
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