Womble Inn now open at Church Square Shopping Centre

A family run North West business, in operation for more than fifty years, opened its first store in St Helens at the Hardshaw Shopping Centre in 2020, just one week before the coronavirus lockdown.

The Womble Inn offers shoppers an array of hot and cold foods, such as cooked meats, barbecue chicken, hot sandwiches, pork pies and many more delicacies.

The move has taken place because the Hardshaw Centre is due to close in the coming weeks, to pave the way for the first phase of St Helens' regeneration plan.

Works on the 12 Church Street unit began in mid-2023, and the delicatessen is finally opening today, Wednesday, May 8.

Steve Brogan, centre manager at Church Square Shopping Centre, said: “A lot has been changing over the past few months at Church Square Shopping Centre and the new additions have helped create a vibrant thriving shopping destination in St Helens town centre.

“As you will see, we are currently carrying out work on the Church Street unit and look forward to welcoming Womble Inn, adding to our offering.”

Councillor Kate Groucutt, cabinet member for business, economy and skills, said: “This move once again shows that shoppers are keen to see the independent shops they love and support stay here in St Helens town centre.

“This move and the many businesses already feeling the benefits of switching to Church Square Shopping Centre shows that there is a bright future for shoppers and one that will be further enhanced by the new market hall, homes, hotel and bus station as part of our approved town centre regeneration plans.”

Chris Woods, store manager for The Womble Inn, added: “We are very excited to be opening in Church Square, to what hopefully will be a great future for the town of St Helens.”