Owl's Nest in Haydock to reopen its doors to welcome new era

Couple Paul and Mel Clayton have taken the reins at the Owl’s Nest, on West End Road, which relaunches to launch its new era tonight, Friday, October 27.

The boozer has been closed in recent months, and Paul, 50, wants to restore the Owl as a central part of the community again.

Inside the Owl's Nest

“We thought we had finished in the pub game but we saw the opportunity, we live around 400 yards away from the Owl’s Nest and saw the pub was closing,” said Paul, who has previously been at the helm at the Starting Gate and the Windle pubs.

“We saw an opportunity and thought it would be a shame for the last pub in Haydock to actually shut. There would be no actual pubs left, just clubs. The community needs somewhere you can get together, it is important to have that.

“We want to get it back established as a centre for the community to meet.”

Inside the Owl's Nest

Paul says people can watch live sports, and there are plans for pool, darts and poker teams.

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The Owl will host live entertainment on Fridays and karaoke discos on Saturdays and will run events for families through the year, including on Bank Holidays.

Inside the Owl's Nest

Meanwhile, Sunday evenings will see Play Your Cards Right and Open the Box, and there are plans to introduce a quiz night also at the venue, which is owned by pub company Red Oak Taverns.

Paul says that initially there will be five other staff members in addition to himself and Mel, with hopes to expand the team in future.

Inside the Owl's Nest

Repair works have been undertaken on the roof, with internal works to the lounge, toilets and kitchen due to take place in the near future.

“This is about the community in Haydock,” Paul added.

Inside the Owl's Nest

“This is the last pub and obviously the Ship has just closed too.

“We’ll hopefully have a good period over Christmas and then on to next summer.”