THE Cat and Lion Pub in Stretton is set to reopen later this year as as part of a new pub brand.

Independent family brewery, Joseph Holt, has taken over the pub and will carry out an extensive re-development before opening in spring at the heart of the village.

The former 17th century coaching inn on Tarporley Road will be the fourth Joseph Holt pub in the Warrington area, alongside the Millhouse in Padgate and the Stonemill in Orford.

Richard Kershaw, chief executive of Joseph Holt and fifth generation of the family, said the acquisition would be a boost not only for the community but the region too.

He added: "I`m absolutely delighted about our acquisition of the Cat and Lion which reflects our continued ambition for the brewery and the north west economy.

"We are excited to bring the Joseph Holt name, brand and award-winning ales and lagers to Stretton to expand our pub offering in this flourishing region of the north west."

Once opened the pub will start serving the full range of the brewery’s ales and lagers alongside a new food menu featuring a pizza oven.

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The Premier Inn situated on the same site as the Cat and Lion remains open and operating a normal service throughout the re-development.

Paul Longmire, marketing manager at Joseph Holt said: "We cannot wait to bring yet another Joseph Holt pub to the customers and residents of Stretton and the wider Warrington community.

"Ideally located just off the M56, we hope our vision for the Cat and Lion will make this a destination community pub for everyone.

"With a development scheme that will transform the pub, we are excited to welcome customers into the new look Cat and Lion when we re-open in mid-Spring."