Robinsons pub The Swan and Chequers, in Sandbach, a former corn exchange, has re-opened with a new look after 12 months of closure.
The mural on the pub’s exterior, remembering a famous Churchillian speech
“Our newly refurbished pub/bar was very well received over the weekend!” said licensees Matt and Jaki Hurst. “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.”
The new-look bar 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.
Original stained glass windows have been refurbished, and the projecting hotel sign has also been restored. However, the Victorian-hand-painted signage and traditional gold leaf window lettering give some clues to what lies inside.
Internal walls have been removed to create a large open-plan bar area with plenty of natural light. Columns have been added to the main bar area, stylised with cast iron Corinthians capitals and floating poser tables.
The interior has been designed with a British mid-century era in mind, paying homage to the site’s earlier links to Winston Churchill’s speech on the balcony in 1945.
Robinsons’ joint managing director, William Robinson, said: “The company has owned this pub since the early 1900s. 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.”
