Well Known Appley Bridge Pub Closes for Major Refurbishment

A much-loved Appley Bridge pub on the banks of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal is set for a £214,000 makeover in time for the festive season.

The investment in The Boathouse on Mill Lane is being undertaken by HEINEKEN-owned Star Pubs. It will upgrade The Boathouse into a top-quality family-friendly local complete with a new menu, sports area and activity programme, as well as a revamped garden. The pub closed on 20th October and will reopen in mid-November, creating more than 10 new jobs. 

To make the most of The Boathouse’s stunning canalside location overlooking Beacon Fell, the project will develop a beautiful 36-seater covered and heated alfresco terrace that can be enjoyed year-round for drinks, dining and events. The space will have smart new furniture, an outside screen and festoon lighting. 

The internal works will retain The Boathouse’s distinctive country-pub feel whilst making it more cosy, comfortable and welcoming with new soft furnishings and wallpaper. Decorative foliage will bring the outside in and link the pub’s inside to its popular garden. 

A kitchen refit will enable food to be introduced. Dishes will be good quality but affordable and will focus on pub favourites, such as burgers and fish & chips. Children will have their own menu, and special festive fare will be offered in the run-up to Christmas. On the drinks front there will be an extended selection of premium beers, wines and spirits. The pub will also serve cocktails plus two cask ales for which it will seek Cask Marque approval. 

The pub will offer something for everyone.  A new sports area will be installed, kitted out with darts and an AV system showing Sky and TNT sports. A whole new range of events is planned, including weekend entertainment, a quiz, charity fundraisers, family fun days and bank holiday events. The pub is starting as it means to go on by going big on Christmas. On the cards are a Santa’s grotto, a children’s breakfast with the Grinch and festive live music. Customers’ four-legged friends have not been forgotten either, and will have dog treats and water on the house.  

Says Star Pubs investment manager for Lancashire Andy Bowden: “We’re delighted to be putting The Boathouse back on the map and broadening its appeal so that there are lots of reasons to visit whatever the time of year. The Boathouse won’t just be a summer destination pub; it will be a fantastic local for all seasons and occasions, whether people want a family Sunday lunch, a great night out or to gather with friends to watch sport.”