Plans to restore Black Horse pub in Sankey Bridges approved

Warrington Borough Council’s planning department has approved an application for fresh signage at the Black Horse in Sankey Bridges.

The Old Liverpool Road drinking spot is Grade II-listed and dates back to the early 1600s.

Plans were agreed last year to restore much of the exterior of the building, including a fresh coat of paint.

Now, proposals for exterior signs and lighting to welcome customers inside by applicant Hawthorn Pubs have been granted permission.

Designs submitted as part of the application give customers an insight into how the pub will look once the work is complete.

Document submitted to the council says the pub opened in 1632 as a coaching inn and claims to be Warrington's oldest pub. The Barley Mow dates back to the 1500s but was set up as an inn.

How the Black Horse pub will look once work is complete

The applicant says: “The new proposals aim to retain as much of the building’s original character as possible, in order to protect the heritage assets of the building.

“However, with a building of this nature it is imperative that repairs are undertaken in order to make it safe and habitable once more.

“The proposals endeavour to restore the building back to its former glory.

“Loyal patrons are already eagerly awaiting the newest refurbishment to this locally loved public house, particularly given the number of pubs closing due to the knock-on effects of the pandemic which the UK has suffered this year.

“The proposal has been designed with the existing historical building in mind. All elements of the works have been designed to be sympathetic to the existing character of the building, while improving the overall aesthetics of the building in its current state.”

Among the legends of the Black Horse is that it is haunted by a 'crawling man'. He was seen by a gatekeeper on the nearby Sankey Canal, crawling on the street.