A PUB that had been on the brink of disappearing a couple of years ago has enjoyed a remarkable revival – establishing itself as a destination to visit in St Helens town centre.

The Star reported back in December 2022 when The Lamb Inn, on Corporation Street, was relaunched to begin its new era after being rescued by Anthony Murtagh.

The venue had before that been shut up for months and placed on the market, leading to fears it could go the way of other vacant pubs and be snapped up by a property developer for a residential conversion.

 

The Lamb Inn

The Lamb Inn

 

Anthony, an electrician by trade, had long harboured ambitions to get hold of a pub of his own and make it a success.

He identified The Lamb, on Corporation Street, as a suitable opportunity and embarked on fulfilling his dream.

After striking a deal along with two business partners to buy the pub in 2022, he set out on breathing new life into the venue to make it a traditional British boozer, with the Lamb undergoing a significant refurbishment.

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While not without hurdles, amid the economic climate and post-Covid challenges, the Lamb’s turnaround has proved a great success.

 

The Lamb Inn

The Lamb Inn

 

The Lamb has become one of the pubs to visit and among customers for its real ale selections

This was reflected in the venue being shortlisted for the St Helens CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Pub of the Year competition this year, finishing in third place.

Manager at the Lamb, Mitchell Cottle says the pub’s revival is a great addition to the town, helping re-establish St Helens as a place for people to visit.

 

The Lamb Inn

The Lamb Inn

 

“People feel safe coming to the pub, it’s one of the top pubs in town,” said Mitchell.

“I think it’s great for the community and for the heritage.

“We’re happy that St Helens has got old-fashioned places, you’ve got beautiful pubs, the Cricketers, which is being renovated, and the Turks and the Lamb. You have so many brilliant pubs.

 

The Lamb Inn

The Lamb Inn

 

“The town is becoming a place that people actually want to go for a drink again.

“That is what we are striving for, to make St Helens the place to go again.”

 

The Lamb Inn

The Lamb Inn

 

The Lamb’s weekly calendar includes a weekly quiz night and a jam night, and the venue has a renovated beer garden for punters to enjoy in the summery weather.

Mitchell hailed the Lamb’s customers and the team of staff who have been integral to its success story.

 

The beer garden at Lamb Inn

The beer garden at Lamb Inn

 

“We are nothing without our customers, we have got a great group of customers,” he added.

“The staff have been spectacular, they have put in extra hours when they have had to.

“You can’t stress how lucky we are to have the right team. It really is like a big family.”