PLANS have been submitted to the borough council for a refurbishment and re-brand for one of Warrington’s most iconic town centre pubs – The Blue Bell.
The 18th century, Grade 2 Listed pub, on the corner of Horsemarket Street and Lyme Street, is to be given a makeover to make it more attractive to people – including tourists – who are being attracted to the new bars and restaurants surrounding the new Market and Time Square.
But applicants Greene King have stressed that there is no intention to damage the character of the pub which they acknowledge is a key historic building with special historic and architectural significance.
They say that for many years, the Blue Bell has operated as a traditional town centre pub, serving food and drink indoors and also outside in the pedestrianised Horsemarket Street and Lyme Street.
Bands play on Friday and Saturday nights, making the pub a popular destination, particularly at weekends. The proposals are said to be modest, affecting only the interior bar area. The exterior of the part two, part three-storey building will not be affected.
“The aim is to provide a visual impact of change to the bar counter and back fitting to drive sales of cocktails and alcohol as part of a new marketing and re-branding strategy. The pub currently markets itself as a typical traditional pub, however the refurbishment and re-branding aims to attract new customers and tourists who frequent the newly developed bars and restaurants surrounding the new Warrington Market”
The application, for Listed Building consent, is currently being considered by Warrington Borough Council planners.
