The Railway Hotel in Nantwich, closed for five months, reopens on 31 January, following a major £450,000 upgrade by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and its new local operator.

Thos significant investment has created 20 new jobs and transformed Pillory Street venue into a top-quality local, with the intention of creating one of the best pubs in town. 

The tired and dated site has been given a complete makeover, brought into the 21st century whilst retaining its Victorian character and feel. 

Further down the line, the intention is to revamp the hotel's six ensuite bedrooms, which prior to investment will remain closed.

The Railway Hotel's layout inside has been reconfigured to increase the socialising space and improve accessibility and flow. 

Seating has been increased from 62 to 91, with a new disabled loo and commercial kitchen installed.

The layout consists of a bar and lounge, each of which can be accessed from the other for the first time. 

Its bar has snug areas with wooden traditional panelling and deep leather banquettes as well as high tables with armchair style stools.

The lounge has timber flooring, panelled walls, wall planters and feature wallpaper as well as a mix of leather armchairs, bistro style chairs and mid-height fixed seating. 

Outside, The Railway Hotel has been redecorated in smart grey and white with traditional lanterns either side of the door and hanging baskets completing the look.

There's new outdoor seating for 32 at the front and in the garden festoon lighting and new furniture.

The Railway Hotel's new menu consists of traditional pub classics using top quality fresh ingredients as well as a grill.

Breakfast will also be available at the weekend, with the pub open from midday on weekdays and 9am on weekends.

The drinks offer includes a wide selection of draught ales, lagers and ciders including Cruz Campo, Birra Moretti, Beavertown Neck Oil, Inchs and Old Mout, a good wine selection, and premium spirits.  

New publican, Luke Thexton, who was born and bred in Nantwich, has extensive hospitality experience. 

Luke told Nub News: "I know the Railway Hotel of old. It's a lovely building, a sleeping giant with loads of potential.

"It was dated and needed an overhaul to broaden its appeal. The new look Railway Hotel is somewhere to pop in for a drink, a coffee, a snack or a meal and in time will be somewhere to stay overnight too.

"I am looking forward to opening the doors tomorrow and welcoming the community to their new local." 

Luke's plans for The Railway Hotel are to show live sports and to host regular live music and entertainment.  

Star Pubs Business Development Manager, Paul Alldis, said: "We're delighted to have invested in The Railway and for it to be reopening so early in the year. It is a fantastic building, in a great location near the station.  

"Having lived in the area for many years Luke knows what residents and visitors are looking for when they go out to socialise. 

"I am confident The Railway Hotel will flourish under his stewardship and be somewhere the community can enjoy and be proud of. I wish him and his team well."