A POPULAR pub that has served town centre customers for more than two decades has reopened its doors today.

Following the closure of the Wetherspoons venue in November 2021, The Running Horses has reopened under the same name on Chalon Way this morning (Tuesday, March 14).

Following negotiations late last year, Lancashire-based independent company Green Leisure secured a long-term lease for the venue, which started life as a Chicago Rock back in 2001.

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St Helens Star: Pool tables inside the Running HorsesPool tables inside the Running Horses (Image: The Running Horses)

Sports screens, pool tables, and live entertainment

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.

With St Helens viewed as a good opportunity to expand their pub brand across the North West, there will be a strong focus on sport, with a number of screens and pool tables installed.

The Running Horses team promises "fantastic prices" at the bar, which will also provide live entertainment from Thursdays to Sundays and offer food at a later date.

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

'A lot of potential here'

Speaking to the Star last week, Jeremy said: "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.

St Helens Star: Inside the recently reopened pubInside the recently reopened pub (Image: The Running Horses)

"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."

In preparation of the pub's opening, Green Leisure have appointed 20 people in various roles.

St Helens Star: The former Wetherspoons pub is now open on Chalon WayThe former Wetherspoons pub is now open on Chalon Way (Image: Fleurets)