The new owners of historic village pub The Red Lion caused something of a stir when they decided to rename it as The Space Invader. But locals have been won over on the "out there" name now they've seen the spectacular transformation of the old pub which has just been unveiled.
The pub, in the pretty Cheshire village of Goostrey, was taken over by The Cheshire Pub Co in the summer. They also own The Churchill Tree in Nether Alderley and the Crown and Conspirator in Bramhall.
But when they announced their name change plan as part of their transformation of the old pub, it led to a fair few jaws dropping among locals. Pub bosses say the name is a meaningful nod to the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory that looms large at the fringes of the village.
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They hail the landmark the ultimate "space invader" for its work beaming back images from across the galaxy. But when residents first found out about the name change many branded it "ridiculous", "waste of space" and "a dreadful name for an old village pub".
However it appears the critics have been silenced with the new look for the pub - having now seen the impressive renovation of the building, which sits right next to the village church. The village is famous for its annual Goostrey growing competition, as well as its famous former footballer residents including Manchester City and England star Raheem Sterling and Man United's Cristiano Ronaldo.
The famous Jodrell Bank telescope has been used in silhouette form on the pub's new sign, after the old Red Lion signage and large lion sculptures outside the building were ditched in the renovation. And the building has been given a fresh white look to its exterior, while inside it has kept a rustic pub look but with fully refreshed modern interior details.
The pub's owners launched the pub with an open invite for villagers in Goostrey and the surrounding areas to head along. They say the new name: "seeks to pay homage to its near neighbour, the iconic giant Jodrell Bank radio telescope, and its founder Sir Bernard Lovell."
They say they now hope to restore lost connections to the village and community, which in the 18th century sold beer to residents and passing travellers and was the first to host the historic Goostrey Gooseberry Show. The decor embraces old-time pictures from the Goostrey Parish Archive of events and residents from the past, as well as images of Jodrell Bank from its early beginnings.
The Space Invader is now the sixth venture for Cheshire Pub Co. and adds to the existing Frozen Mop at Mobberley, The Ship Inn, Styal, The Churchill Tree on the Alderley Park estate near Alderley Edge, the Crown and Conspirator and their recently launched vegan venture, Otto Vegan Empire, both in Bramhall Village.
The Space Invander has created 25 new jobs for the local area. Goostrey is around 30 minutes by road from Manchester - and has a main line train station on the Crewe-Manchester Piccadilly route.
The menu includes a range of pub classics like fish and chips, burgers and lamb hot pot, as well as the likes of Morroccan lamb tagine, Thai tofu peanut curry and cod, squid, monkfish and king prawn thermidor. There will also be a lunch menu that includes their twist on "old school toasties".
While the name may have caused initial controversy, The Space Invader has started to win over residents, say bosses. Jenny Bufton, Head of Brand for Cheshire Pub Co. says: "The Space Invader is more than just a name, it’s a memory.
"And whether that memory is an old book, an old game or family dish, our pubs will recreate those warming feelings of nostalgia again and again.. because that’s just what we do”.
The Space Invader on Station Road, Goostrey, is open Monday to Saturday 12noon to 11pm and Sundays 12noon to 10.30pm
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