Pied Bull pub still thriving in Newton after huge refurb

Located in the middle of a trendy high street that has become renowned for its mix of independent businesses, Newton's Pied Bull closed for renovation work back in January 2020.

While the High Street pub's relaunch was inevitably delayed by the oncoming pandemic, its planned refurb enabled it to open with a dazzling new look once all restrictions were lifted back in the summer of 2021.

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The Pied Bull prior to its transformation (Image: St Helens Star)
Nia Jones, one of the managers of the Pied Bull, said: "We closed just before the pandemic but work started as soon as the construction restrictions lifted, which meant that we were ready to open around the time that all hospitality reopened.

"And because of the pub's brand new look, we hit the ground running once we opened and it's not stopped since.

"Our food sales are not the same as they were when we first opened, but they are getting more and more popular, and we are still achieving year-on-year growth [despite the cost of living crisis]."

The pub underwent a £500k refurb during the pandemic (Image: St Helens Star)
With hospitality experience in cities such as London and Liverpool, Nia said that she moved to Newton just for the Pied Bull and its potential.

Nia, who is originally from North Wales, added: "The pub's location, being slap bang in the middle of the high street, along with its refurb and transport links, made it a no brainer for me."

A Sunday Roast at the Pied Bull (Image: The Pied Bull)
With Newton's high street located not far from the M6 motorway, and its revamped railway station lying on the busy Liverpool to Manchester line, the area's transport connections have helped the area swell with visitors from across the North West.

This influx of visitors has also encouraged a variety of independent businesses to open up along the high street in recent years, which has created a vibrant mix of venues that have benefitted places like the Pied Bull.

The mix of venues has also encouraged a community 'High Street Hive' group, where business owners collaborate with each other to offer events and encourage more people to shop local along the high street, such as Oktoberfest, Halloween events, and Christmas markets.

Nia (left) has co-managed the pub since its relaunch (Image: Punch Partnerships)
Nia added: "We cater for everyone here, from children and families to the older generation.

"We put on live entertainment and special offers to encourage people to visit [...] and we work with the High Street Hive to help support local businesses and the community."

The Pied Bull 'hit the ground running' after its refurb (Image: St Helens Star)