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POPULAR WHEELTON PUB REOPENS

Published on 23/05/2017

Top Lock, Chorley, PR6

The popular Top Lock pub on the Leeds and Liverpool canal in Wheelton reopens this week* after a two-month closure with new licensee, Mike Hales, at the helm along with Whittle-Le-Woods man, Curtis Lunt, as manager.



Mike, who comes from Bolton and also runs The Butlers Arms at Pleasington, says he jumped at the chance to take on the historic pub when it became available.

“The Top Lock is a beautiful pub in a stunning location with lots of potential. I can remember many happy days out here as a little boy with my family but I never dreamed one day I would be its licensee,” says Mike.



Owners Star Pubs & Bars and Mike hope to undertake a complete refurbishment of The Top Lock in the future. For now, £35,000 has been invested in upgrading the building and making the pub more warm and welcoming. “I knew how much locals were missing The Top Lock and with summer on the way my priority was to reopen it as quickly as possible,” explains Mike. Outside the pub has been repainted and new signage put up, whilst inside The Top Lock has been redecorated and new furniture and decorations added. “It’s lighter and brighter and customers will certainly notice a difference,” says Mike.



Mike will build on The Top Lock’s reputation for cask ale with a choice of six on tap. Local beers will be showcased with a regularly changing cask ale from a local microbrewery. A specialist gin bar is also being added with a range of 40 gins including Cuckoo gin from Holmes Farm behind the pub. The installation of a barista quality coffee machine will enable coffee to be served throughout the day with Mike planning to introduce home cooked food such as pies in a few weeks.



Dogs as well as humans will now be catered for at The Top Lock and will have their own special menu featuring canine favourites such as dog treats, pigs’ ears and chicken and rice sausages. Dogs will even have their own tipple; Hair of the Dog (also known as water) will be served from a hand pull outside the pub.



Mike has been overwhelmed by the warm reception he has had from locals. “Many of them have taken the time to visit The Butler’s Arms to see the kinds of things we want to bring to The Top Lock. Their response has been very enthusiastic which is great as our aim is make The Top Lock a pub where everyone feels comfortable and at home. I’ve worked in different pubs in the area in the past. It’s a very friendly community and people will you to do well. I want to live up to their expectations and make the pub known not just for being at the top lock but for being the top pub on the canal too.”



David Pritchard, Star Pubs & Bars operations director said: “We’re delighted that Mike has taken on The Top Lock. He’s a brilliant and dedicated licensee and has transformed The Butlers Arms. We wish him every success at The Top Lock.”



*The pub reopened on 19 May.

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