Former Wetherspoon pub set for new lease of life - as plans revealed

The Running Horses, next to Cineworld cinema, has stood unused since it closed in late 2021.

The former JD Wetherspoon establishment, on the fringe of St Helens town centre at Chalon Way, was closed in November of that year.

The Star reported late last year that it was understood a pub chain was in negotiations over the vacant premises.

Now Lancashire-based independent company Green Leisure has confirmed it has secured a long-term lease for the venue, which started life as a Chicago Rock back in 2001.

The business is co-owned by Jeremy Peel, 51, and Ben Gregg, 29, who took on a former Wetherspoons pub in Lancaster seven years ago in the wake of Storm Desmond.

Signage has appeared on the window of the St Helens building advertising a 'Grand Reopening' on Tuesday, March 14, from 10am, of 'Greens The Running Horses Freehouse'.

Jeremy Peel behind the bar at the Running Horses (Image: St Helens Star)

Speaking to the Star, as work carried on around-the-clock to get the venue ready for next week's opening, Jeremy said the business was keen to expand its footprint across the North West and identified St Helens as a good opportunity.

The pub will have a strong focus on sport, with the number of screens increased and pool tables installed.

• READ MORE>The lost pubs and bars of St Helens town centre

There are also plans for entertainment through Thursday night to Sunday night - and in a nod to the venue's past, the old Chicago Rock stage is set to be revived, paving the way for acts to perform.

The venue will not serve food straight away but will launch a menu once it is established.

Jeremy told the Star: "We like St Helens and think there is a lot of potential here. We think we can bring it back to life. We're not going to rip everything out, we'll bring it up to specification.

"This place was taking good money [pre-Covid] before it shut, which was due to Wetherspoons' policy of going to one venue in some towns.

"We'll work hard to get it right, we're busy cleaning, getting the beer installed and have tradesman in doing various jobs.

"We think we'll attract shoppers and older people in the day and there'll be people who will come for entertainment on an evening.

"It's all hands to the pump getting it ready, but we believe it's a great location and it just needs a bit of care and attention."

The relaunch of the venue could give a shot in the arm to St Helens town centre's night-time economy which has endured struggles since the onset of the Covid pandemic.

The company held a recruitment event earlier this week and has appointed 20 people in various roles.