Swan & Chequers Re-Opens With Stunning Refurbishment

The Swan and Chequers has reinvigorated Sandbach with its stunning new look. The historic pub which started out life as an old corn exchange dating back to the late 1800’s is now unrecognisable following the substantial investment.

The Swan and Chequers has been closed for more than twelve months whilst plans were made to bring a new life into the history-filled site with the local community eager to see what would happen to the much loved pub.

Licensees Matt and Jaki Hurst said:

“Our newly refurbished pub/bar was very well received over the weekend! Customers enjoyed our new seating area outside in the sunshine, and we look forward to continued success. It’s been amazing meeting new customers as well as old."

"We’re also excited to launch our food menu this Thursday, with dishes such as homemade sourdough pizzas, kebabs, smashed burgers, a soft-shell crab burger and 13 small plates to choose from. We can’t wait for everyone to try them!”

The new-look bar now seats 90 people inside, with space for a further 90 outside in the courtyard. From the curbside, there are some subtle changes, with new outdoor lanterns and wrought iron gates. The original stained glass windows have been refurbished and the projecting hotel sign has also been restored. However, the Victorian-hand-painted signage and traditional gold leaf window lettering give some clues to what lies inside.

Stepping through the door beyond the entrance vestibule, the pub is now unrecognisable. Structurally the internal walls have been removed to create a large open-plan bar area with plenty of natural light. Columns have been added to the main bar area stylised with cast iron Corinthians capitals and floating poser tables. The interior has been designed with a British mid-century era in mind, paying homage to the site’s earlier links to Winston Churchill’s speech on the balcony in 1945.

The design scheme also features influences from Victorian London’s underground and the old industrialised city, featuring brown chequered tile work and bespoke designed mid-century pendant lighting. To accentuate the London underground theme, you’ll also notice the fixed seating to be designed to mirror the seat design of the old underground tube trains using the same fabrics used on the 1950s metropolitan tube line, with overhanging old railway pendant lighting.

The courtyard of the Swan and Chequers will be the largest outdoor drinking space in Sandbach, housing 90 people. The design team at Robinsons chose to bring history to life with two full wall-length murals. Continuing the mid-century London theme the artwork features an impressive mural of Winston Churchill with his famous quote ‘If you’re going through hell, keep going’. The wall is completed with beautiful red poppies signifying the fallen soldiers and a nod to Churchill’s life as Prime Minister with a replica of 10 Downing Street’s door built in. On the other wall, you’ll see a more playful painting featuring swans and wildlife.

Joint Managing Director, William Robinson, commented:

“The company has owned this pub since the early 1900’s. Investing in this innovative and modern design scheme is part of our ongoing commitment to delivering the best pubs for the communities that they serve.”