THE team behind a thriving hotel, restaurant, and bar is celebrating their sixth anniversary since taking over a historic high street building.

Originally built in the late 18th century as the Horse and Jockey Public House, The Kirkfield later operated as a Conservative Club and a Boarding and Day School before becoming a residential hotel.

Despite being one of the largest and oldest buildings on Newton-le-Willows' High Street, The Kirkfield was closed and derelict for several years until a trio of childhood friends, Terence Southward, Andrew Chinn, and Andrew Cartwright, took it over in late 2017.

Following an extensive period of refurbishment, The Kirkfield reopened its doors on October 26, 2018, and it has since become one of Newton's most popular venues.

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The Kirkfield operates as a hotel, restaurant, and barThe Kirkfield operates as a hotel, restaurant, and bar (Image: St Helens Star) With elegant hotel rooms, a stylish dining space, and a vibrant bar area, the Kirkfield has had three ways to prove itself as a venue worth visiting since its relaunch back in 2018.

Despite the difficulties that the hospitality industry has faced in recent years, Terence feels that the high quality service across the hotel, restaurant, and bar are the reasons for the Kirkfield's continued success.

Hotel manager Holly (right) behind the bar at the KirkfieldHotel manager Holly (right) behind the bar at the Kirkfield (Image: St Helens Star) With a tight-knit team consistently provided this quality of service, one of the business' "shining lights" is hotel manager Holly Cain, who Terence promoted to the role of Hotel Manager two years ago at 21-years-old, due to her "passion for people" and "enthusiasm, dedication and loyalty".

Speaking previously to the Star about The Kirkfield's success, Terence said: "As an independent business, you have to work three times as hard to attract and keep customers, and I think this is gradually what we have been doing.

"The key to success is people and this is evident no more so than people like Holly. She absorbs everything, has a passion for people, and shows a real commitment to her job."

With the Kirkfield regularly attracting customers with its mouth-watering food menu, luxury beer garden, and regular live music events, the team are celebrating its six year anniversary with a special event today (Saturday, October 26).

With live music performances from 5pm until 11pm, the team will also be celebrating Halloween complete with fancy dress.

More information about the Kirkfield can be found here.