Landmark country pub built in 1500s undergoes huge transformation

A popular pub that was built in the 1500s has undergone a huge transformation which includes displaying photos of punters and members of staff who have been pivotal to the success of the establishment. The Stafford Arms in Bagnall has made changes to the gastropub to modernise it, whilst still keeping important historic features such as the gorgeous copper tables in the seating area to the left of the bar.

The Stafford Arms has been in Bagnall since the English Civil war, and was said to be commandeered by Cromwell and his men. In later years it was bought by a large national brewer and ran as a typical national pub, but its current owners - who have owned the pub for more than 30 years - made it a much more intimate, community-orientated venue.

There has been a kitchen refit, a baby changing facility has been introduced, and a brand new oak barring bench at the Village Green watering hole. New furniture has been fitted throughout, including new tables, seating, and decor.

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A spokesperson for the Stafford Arms said: “This is a great touristic building, so all changes have to be approved by a conservation officer, and we’ve been working with them in tandem for many years. The sandstone at the back is typical from this area, so we’ve had to source it from the same local quarry it was originally taken from, and then we get it cut and approved by the conservation officer.

“We’ve contrasted modern and historic features together, because people like modern but we think it’s important to keep pieces of history. Anything historic we were able to save we have, such as the copper tables, but everything else is new. All the photos on the walls mean something to the pub, i.e. customers or members of staff who work here, so we can name everyone in those pictures.

“It’s taken eight months of planning to get it done in such a short period of time and we’re really happy with it. The whole bar has been ripped out and replaced with all new oak barring bench, seating, and furniture. The restaurant required new flooring - there’s been a lot done. Every trades person we’ve used is local.”

The Stafford Arms has also introduced a two-course menu during weekdays which costs £20. Some of the options available include a smoked Gouda, potato, courgette and almond shortcrust pastry pie, The Stafford Arms Angus steak burger, and charred celeriac with pickled pear, to name but a few.

The family and dog friendly gastropub is open from Monday to Saturday from 11.30am until 11pm, and on Sundays from 11.30am until 10.30pm. Food is served from midday until 2.30pm on Mondays to Wednesdays, before reopening at 5.30pm until 9pm. On Thursdays to Saturdays, food is served from midday until 9.30pm, and on Sundays from midday until 9pm.

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