A HISTORIC pub in Stretton has opened its doors again this week after an extensive £600,000 re-development under new owners, Joseph Holt.

The independent family owned brewery acquired the former 17th century coaching inn in 2019, however the opening was delayed due to the pandemic.

After a refurbishment it is now open for business serving the full range of the brewery’s award winning ales and lagers - alongside a new food menu featuring a stone baked pizza oven.

The pub itself has a long history serving the Stretton community.

 

 

 

As one of the oldest buildings in Stretton, it played a key role as the centre of village life: for farm sales, meeting places, and as a repository of the draft Apportionment of Tithes in 1846.

It was also the place for a celebration dinner following the installation of six new bells at St. Matthews in December 1850.

Focusing on the local area, Joseph Holt have once again commissioned the work of rising artist Katie Grenville to honour key points synonymous with the local area, including a mural of a WW2 fighter plane and HMS Blackcap honouring Stretton airfield.

 

 

 

There is also crest and motto from the Lyon’s family who owned and operated the pub for many years, and a timeline of the Joseph Holt family history.

Richard Kershaw, chief executive and fifth generation of Joseph Holt said the acquisition of the Cat and Lion would be a ‘boost’ not only for the local community but for the region too.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted about the rebirth of the Cat and Lion.

 

 

 

“Not only as a celebration of its wonderful history but as a reflection of our continued ambition for the brewery and the North West economy.”

Paul Longmire, marketing manager at Joseph Holt added: “We are thrilled to bring yet another Joseph Holt pub to the customers and residents of Stretton and the wider Warrington community.

“Our vision for the Cat and Lion is to make it a central part of the community again.

 

 

 

“A place where drinkers can enjoy a relaxed pint with friends, where families can meet for food and where everyone is welcomed with the famous Joseph Holt hospitality.”

The Cat and Lion marks the fourth Joseph Holt pub in the Warrington area, alongside the Cock O’Budworth, the Millhouse and the Stonemill.