Macclesfield: Meet the new publicans in at The Ship Inn Wincle
By Alex Greensmith
21st Jun 2023 | Local News
Meet the new friendly faces who have taken on The Ship Inn in Wincle.
Christine Hartley and James Hartley, who already have experience running another Cheshire pub, have just passed their second month milestone in taking over the idyllic country pub.
The couple who have a combined 60 years experience in the hospitality industry, have fell in love with the Macclesfield pub like no other.
"As soon as I saw the pub online I knew it was the one", said James.
"My first impression when we got here was 'oh my gosh, how beautiful is this area'," said Christine.
"We met working for a bar co-owned by Peter Langan and Michael Caine in London 30 years ago.
"We worked our way up in top restaurants and have always worked together.
"We then went to own and turn around pubs in in Sale and Warrington."
The pair instantly got stuck in to adding their improvements to the pub, and will continue to do so over the coming months.
The pub was already known for their traditional pub grub, which includes a bespoke menu for dogs, and their food menu is only set to get better thanks to James' expertise.
Menu items include Beef + Onion Rag Suet Pudding and Vegan Pie. All pies are made on site, with a very generous serving of meat in them.
"The food menu is traditional pub fair with a bit of West Indian influence," added James.
"We have curried mutton for example. But the best seller is the spicy West Indian Jerk Chicken serviced with rice, corncob and slaw."
The Ship Inn are currently hiring, but have retained many of the nearby residents which worked for the previous landlord. Christine and James have even brought a manager from their previous Warrington pub over to help take the pub to the next level.
17 staff work at the walker and dog-friendly pub.
"JW Lees have been great to us, they are a family-owned business and we are a family pub," added James.
"We wanted an outside bar for a recent event and they supported us and helped us get it.
"We've worked in some beautiful areas, but I can't thing anything can beat this.
"The community of Wincle really wanted this back open, and they have made us feel really welcome.
"I love being a publican for the interaction with the general public, and with the staff. We have a great laugh.
'"I love when customers leave this place happy, for me that is the [ultimate] job satisfaction."
The cosy rural Macclesfield pub, is believed to date back to the 16th or early 17th century, and has been said to be visited by a member of the Stuart Royal family.
"The locals are amazing here," added Christine.
"We feel really welcome. Before we even opened the doors here, we had already got gifts posted from the community.
"Giles from Wincle Brewery down the road has also been really nice.
"We absolutely love it here, it is probably the best pub we've had.
Parking is on the road the pub is located at.
Their current opening hours are Monday 12-10pm, Wednesday 12-11pm, Thursday 12-11pm, Friday and Saturday 12-11pm and Sunday 12-10pm. Food is served 12-2 and 5-8 Monday to Friday, 12-8:30pm Saturday and 12-6pm Sunday.
Macclesfield: Why not give the pub a follow on Facebook?
See Also: Wincle Beer Festival set to be biggest one yet
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