Ambition to 'breathe new life' into Red Cat pub in Crank

The Red Cat, in Crank, has undergone a “whole refurbishment” and is back in business serving its “traditional home-cooked food”.

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Samantha and Chris Pennington, who also have the Stanley Arms, on Gillars Lane, have set out their ambitions to bring the Red Cat back to being a central part of the community.

The beloved pub, set in the rustic surroundings of Crank, reopened in November serving drinks only.

The Red Cat

After a soft opening on Thursday evening, January 12, the Red Cat Lane establishment formally relaunched serving its full food menu, from Friday.

“We are here to breathe new life into this historic pub.

“The locals, they call themselves ‘Crankies’ and the pub is a massive part of their lives, to be able to meet here.”

The Red Cat

Samantha says locals have reported seeing people that they have not spoken to in around a year due to the pub not being open.

“We want to bring the regulars back and welcome new people, families and anyone that wants to come.”

Samantha, 49, whose mum bought the Stanley Arms in 1996, took over in 2009.

Red Cat (Image: St Helens Star)

While still remaining dedicated to the Stanley, Samantha and husband of 12 months Chris, are excited at taking on their new project at The Red Cat.

She said people can expect “traditional home-cooked” food.

The Red Cat

Meanwhile, she expects the ‘Snug area’, near to the bar, to be a “popular” area, with its beer garden for when the brighter weather arrives.

There are plans to have live music nights at The Red Cat each weekend, alternating between Fridays and Saturdays, and for a quiz night to be launched.

The Red cat

The Punch-owned pub also has two rooms, each with a capacity of 30 (60 overall) which can cater for family events such as small weddings, funeral wakes and baby showers.

Red Cat (Image: St Helens Star)

The pub will show Sky Sports in its bar area and will serve food from noon to 3pm and 5pm to 8pm from Tuesdays to Saturdays, and Sunday lunches from noon to 7pm.

Red Cat (Image: St Helens Star)