Macclesfield: Bollington pub reopens with big improvements
Meet the new family running a Bollington community-driven pub that has been shut for two months.
The Dog and Partridge, located on Palmerston Street, has received some TLC in their interior and reopened their doors on Thursday November 3.
Kim Devonport and her family will run the pub, with Kim spending thousands and kitting out many of the new features of the pub with partner Sean Kynnersley.
The Robinsons pub has two bars, multiple games rooms, and a charming traditional feel.
"We're a real family operation," said Kim.
"My son built the new bar in the function room, and everyone that works here is family
"We've also reinstated the benches at the side of the pub which disappeared during COVID.
"We've moved the darts room and switched it round with what we call the snug, which is now at the front of the pub as you enter to the left, and the darts room second on the left.
"On the right there's the games room with a brand new pool table and jukebox. We've got a brand new games machine to the left of the bar as well.
"We've brought in some church pews to sit on in the games room, which were kindly donated to us from a local church in Adlington.
"We've also redone the upstairs with a function room, which can hold 66 people. Just drop us a message on Facebook or ring us if you'd like to book it.
"We have a lovely beer garden in the back, which we're still doing work to. It backs on to the old Bollington jailhouse, as we're just across the road from the old police station.
"The brewery have been very supportive, they have not said no to anything."
The pub was previously known for a long-history of folk music, and Kim is keen to keep the pub as the beloved local it has always been, with a few upgrades here and there.
The pub has a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits including at least 3 cask ales.
"I've always worked with people," added Kim.
"I started off my career working with children with autism, I then became a restaurant manager and have managed a few pubs.
"Our family history has been in the hospitality industry for generations. My dad was a drayman, so it is in the blood.
"My daughter Chelsea has managed two pubs herself, including The Church House in Bollington and The Ryles Arms in Sutton.
"My youngest daughter has come from The Church House to work here as well.
"It is great to be all together as a family. My other daughter will come and help as well, and my son who is a joiner will also pull a few pints behind the bar.
"Our improvements to the pub have made it cleaner, we've changed it every so slightly but kept it traditional. The pub has always had a great following and we are already seeing regulars coming back.
"We're done bits of refurbishment now, but we are now hopefully down for a full refurb in 2024.
"It has been hard opening in these times. I have myself put a lot into it. I don't for one second think I'm going to get that back. The tills for the last couple of days is proving that. And we're so grateful for everyone's support.
"I've done this to support my family, I wanted them to have jobs. It was completely the wrong time to take over given the energy crisis, but it is a pub I have always wanted. It was the first one I had alcohol in.
"I have wanted this forever, and it came up, I thought if I didn't jump on it I would regret it. All day, all evening. We haven't stopped working on it, and it is great to see the reception to our changes so far."
The pub will be open for seven days a week, however, tweaks may be made to opening hours while they figure out if they are an 'early doors' or 'end of the night' pub.
"The opening hours will be Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday three til close", explained Kim.
"Thursday, Friday and Saturday we open from 12 to close.
"Sunday we open from 11am. We hope to introduce a special event every Sunday, where we have a hair of the dog offer.
"This is where we can serve a bacon butty or a sausage one to our customers.
"But we have to get the kitchen built, inspected, and running first.
"We've got huge plans to bring all the traditional things back like relay runs up White Nancy and cricket pub teams.
"We'll support Bollington Festival when it is on, with an ultimate aim to just get a feeling of localness back."
This will be Chelsea and Kim's first full pub as landladies.
The pub seats 70, excluding the beer garden and for hire function room.
It benefits from a central location, being adjacent to the Bollington Recreational Ground and Cricket Club, which are a focal point of the community.
The pub is also known for live music on Thursday evenings. It is thought to date back to the 1700s.
At a time where the amount of pubs available to take over in Macclesfield are at double figures, The Dog and Partridge is one watering hole with an optimistic future.
"Thank you to everyone in Bollington and beyond for your support," concluded Kim.
The Happy Valley boozer can be called on 01625 348255.
You can also follow the pub on Instagram.
Email them on [email protected].
See Also: New dog food brand started by Bollington businesswoman
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