A LANDLADY who "wouldn't want to be anywhere else" has celebrated a second brewery award with a special garden party.

Although she had not previously left her Ellesmere Port hometown for any prolonged period, landlady Michele Cooney "fell in love with the pub and the people" after taking over the Market Tavern in April 2023.

Organising a busy schedule of events for customers to relax and have fun, Michele was recognised with an award from brewery Amber Taverns in March, in recognition of her successful time at the helm.

Following another successful few months, Amber Taverns has gifted Michele with another 'Highly Commended Operator' award; something which she celebrated with staff and customers with a special garden party over the weekend.

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Punters enjoying the garden party at the Market TavernPunters enjoying the garden party at the Market Tavern (Image: Market Tavern)
With the 'Funday Sunday' taking place on Sunday, August 11, the event was organised to celebrate Michele's second award and repay the support of Market Tavern customers over the past 16 months. 

Live singers performed throughout the day as customers, including those in fancy dress, enjoyed the August sunshine in the pub's beer garden.

Some customers dressed up in fancy dress while they enjoyed the live musicSome customers dressed up in fancy dress while they enjoyed the live music (Image: Market Tavern)
Michele, 43, said: "My aim has always been to make people happy so I wanted to do something special that hadn't been done before.

"I was panicking about the weather but it ended up being great, and our staff were amazing. The customers kept asking when the next garden party is!"

Michele with her daughterMichele with her daughter (Image: Market Tavern)
With the Market Tavern particularly busy for its mid-week live singers, weekend live performers, and whenever Saints are playing, Michele said that she will keep doing what is working at the pub, while constantly looking to offer new events and ideas.

Referencing her time at the Tavern, Michele said: "It's always been my dream to run a pub and make it work, so I'm so glad that customers seem to be happy here.

"It can be really hard work at times but my only regret is that I didn't do this years ago. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else!"