Eager customers flocked to the long-awaited re-opening of a Holcombe pub at the weekend to check out the new owners, food and lease of life it has been given.

Bury Times: Craig Pinion (left) and Andy Hitchen (right)Craig Pinion (left) and Andy Hitchen (right) (Image: Newsquest)

Andy Hitchen, from Ramsbottom and Craig Pinion, from Radcliffe, who have been tidying up The Shoulder of Mutton over the past two months, said they are excited to have finally welcomed people back to the pub.

Bury Times: Food at the Shoulder of Mutton Food at the Shoulder of Mutton (Image: The Shoulder of Mutton)

The experienced pair, who already own The Duke of William, The Victoria Hotel and the Cheetham Arms have added the historic pub to their list partly due to Andy’s fondness of the venue.

Bury Times: Shoulder of MuttonShoulder of Mutton (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “I used to work here until around 2012 and it has always been one of those places you keep coming back to.

Bury Times: The Shoulder of MuttonThe Shoulder of Mutton (Image: Public)

“We had thought of taking over before, but now I have over 30 years of hospitality experience and owning pubs so it is second nature to me and it just felt right.”

Bury Times: Food at the Shoulder of MuttonFood at the Shoulder of Mutton (Image: The Shoulder of Mutton)

Also returning to the pub is chef Nathan, who is focusing on fresh, locally-sourced produce and, in future, hopes to sell their own homemade ice cream.

Andy said: “As soon as the opportunity came up, Nathan was the first person I thought about.

Bury Times: The Shoulder of MuttonThe Shoulder of Mutton (Image: Newsquest)

“He is amazing and not only that, but he has experience working here and knows firsthand how busy this place can get.”

Bury Times: The Shoulder of Mutton menuThe Shoulder of Mutton menu (Image: Newsquest)

As the pub has been closed for around six months, there were several renovations marked as crucial to clean up the interior after it had been closed for half a year.

Shoulder of Mutton Pub to re-open in Holcombe Village

Bury Times: The Shoulder of MuttonThe Shoulder of Mutton (Image: Newsquest)

On Friday, June 16, at around 5.30pm, less than half an hour after reopening, the beer garden was already full of customers, dogs, and excited locals who said they had greatly missed their visits. 

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Bury Times: The Shoulder of MuttonThe Shoulder of Mutton (Image: Newsquest)

New benches have been put outside the pub and inside, all the carpets have been replaced and there has been some redecorating which includes a new fireplace, a new coffee area, bespoke benches and a new bar.

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Bury Times: Food at The Shoulder of MuttonFood at The Shoulder of Mutton (Image: The Shoulder of Mutton)

The kitchens have also been fitted with all-new equipment and, in time, Andy and Craig want to make the outside area “much more like a beer garden”.

Andy said: “As well as these renovations, we will also be doing up the upstairs where I am going to live so I can properly move back to Ramsbottom and be a part of the pub.”

Contact details on Google and the website are still being changed and the new telephone number for the pub is 01706 550792.

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