Macclesfield: Meet the new publicans at The Church House in Sutton
A Macclesfield couple has breathed new life into a charming community pub.
Sean and Kristen Lucey are the new landlords of The Church House Sutton.
The pair met online ten years ago, and this is the first pub they have ever operated.
"The Church House in Sutton is a great community pub, with a great community feel," said Sean.
"It has always been Kristen's dream to run a foodie pub.
"We took one look at the pub and knew we were going to go for it.
"We thought we could turn it around. It has got the parking outside, it has got the field outside, and it has been going really well so far.
"We have some really nice locals who sit at the end of the bar, smiling. I think we have been accepted quite well.
"We have been getting people coming in that had stopped coming in, and it is about keeping those people, making sure that the locals are happy.
"And we want people who aren't from the area or haven't been before to come and see the community vibe we have got going."
Kristen, who has lived in Macclesfield for most of her life, focuses on the food side of things, something of which she is very passionate about.
There is tapas for a bit of Iberian flavour in Sutton, and there's also other meals with enormous portions.
They also have plates are on the smaller side, to appeal to the pub's walker clientele, who may want a quick bite to eat in-between walks or before they head home. This also keeps the price point low, and affordable for patrons.
Dishes range from sausage rolls, to pies, to scotch eggs 'that are the size of ostrich eggs'.
"We thought we would tailor the menu to those who want to enjoy the pub, but not sit down and spend £20, £30 on a meal," said Kirsten.
"They want a quick snack, get on their bike or hike, and go."
Sean, who served Britain in the army, focuses on more of the drinks side, and leads the way in banter with the locals.
"We can't thank people enough for the support," said Sean.
"We are a new venture, and myself being a loyal southerner being accepted massively into the community, but people keep coming back.
"Everyone is welcome, we're a community pub, and community-led people."
A statement evidenced by the fact that The Church House Inn is a family and dog friendly pub.
"Our friends and family have been outstanding too," added Kristen.
"We have no words for how they helped us. We owe them everything."
"We think we have brought the pub back to being a community pub, onwards and upwards," concluded Sean.
The country pub prides itself on quality food, with local ingredients where possible. Suppliers include Macclesfield's Nick Carter's Butchers, Flour Water Salt and Happy Valley Honey.
This local ethos also seeps into the beer, with The Church House Inn having recently stocked two beers from Wincle Brewery, located just ten minutes down the road.
Fresh flowers decorate the pub, from Macclesfield shop George in the Jungle, plus local charities and businesses are celebrated on an information table located near the entrance to the pub.
In their personal lives, Kirsten is also a supporter of Sutton charity The Rossendale Trust, whereas Sean raises funds for Alzheimer's Society Macclesfield. So they already supported the community, before they reinvigorated this traditional Cheshire pub.
Sean, who is from Hampshire, moved up from Wiltshire to be with Kristen, and has also fell in love with the Macclesfield area. (Mainly for the people, and the golf courses!)
The real ale pub is perfectly poised for walkers, with Macclesfield Forest being a stone's throw away, and the beer garden has pretty, green views too.
Friday and Sunday are the pubs busiest days, but during spells of nice weather the pub gets especially packed.
And given Sean's armed forces background, D-Day (this week) and Remembrance Day are set to be unmissable events to see the pub at its best.
The Church House Inn is open Monday 2pm to 10:30pm, Wednesday 12pm to 11pm, Thursday 12pm to 11pm, Friday 12pm to 11pm, Saturday 12pm to 11pm and Sunday 12pm to 11pm.
Macclesfield: You can follow the pub on Facebook and Instagram.
Sean and Kirsten would love to know more about the history of The Church House Inn. So want to use this article as an opportunity to also see if any local historians can get in touch.
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