FIRST LOOK: Moss Bank Hotel re-opens in St Helens after 'huge transformation'

Like all other establishments, Moss Bank Hotel was forced to close in March last year as the country entered into our first lockdown.

However, with a vision to completely rejuvenate the old station building on Moss Bank Road, lockdown was said to "gee [the team] into action" who then started preparing plans for the pubs future.

Moss Bank Hotel, on Moss Bank Road

The pub has undergone a "huge transformation" since closing in March last year

After a large investment from SJL Leisure Ltd, construction work began in May 2020 and local contractors set about transforming the building from top to bottom.

As other pubs around the area have shut their doors for good over the past few years, there has been a lot of anticipation for Moss Bank's re-opening both from regulars and the wider community.

Owned by the Lawler family, a local family in St Helens, the pub had a soft launch for family, friends and regulars earlier this week, followed by the grand re-opening with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, December 15.

Moss Bank Hotel is now all open plan, and with outdoor seating, has "increased capacity three-fold"

A fresh pint served before the pub's grand re-opening

Ian Leahy, area manager of the pub, said: "The volume of feedback we've been having about the re-opening has been amazing.

"We've had a lot of interest on Facebook, with thousands of people viewing our posts and hundreds wishing us well."

After an "awful" few years with lockdowns, restrictions and the closures of other local pubs, Ian envisages Moss Bank Hotel as a "real community hub" after its renovation.

Creating seven new jobs in the process of opening, he explained that the pub has something for everyone.

As well as seven large flat screen TV's to watch live sport, there is also a darts board, and lots of events planned in the future such as DJ nights, discos, karaoke, and eventually, live music.

The pub boasts 7 wide-screen TV's to broadcast live sport

The pub will also be serving food in the new year

The dog friendly pub has outdoor seating around its perimeter, and in addition to their premium beer and spirits on sale, will be offering food in the new year.

Ian added: "Compared to how it was, the pub has seen such a huge transformation.

"It's all open plan so our capacity has increased three-fold, with outdoor seating all the way around too."

Moss Bank Hotel under construction in May 2020

With much planned in the new year such as days out, racing trips and charity do's, Ian encourages everyone in St Helens to get down to the Moss Bank and support the business in its re-emergence.

The pub is open seven days a week, from 11am-12pm on Sunday-Thursday and 11am-1am on Friday and Saturdays.

Ste Lawler, Manageress Hazel Renshall and Billy Rankin, a loyal customer

The Moss Bank is open seven days a week