The Hoghton Arms in Southport receives huge makeover just in time for Easter

One of the most historic pubs in Southport is getting a fresh new look and its traditional name back this Easter.

The Hoghton Arms name is returning to the Grand II Listed building on the corner of Hoghton Street and London Street.

Local residents and visitors alike can enjoy a traditional, cosy pub with great home cooked food, real ale and a warm welcome.

The venue was previously home to the Monument sports bar and prior to that had spent some years as an O’Neill’s Irish pub.

Now under the ownership of Trust Inns, one of the longest standing pub companies in the UK, and on a tenancy to John Parkinson, it aims to be somewhere where customers can call in and feel at home.

Trust Inns opened the venue on 6th December last year and have wasted no time in investing into making improvements.

The Grade II Listed building originally opened in 1838 – the year after Queen Victoria came to the throne. The premises became licensed in 1841.

John Parkinson is the licensee at The Hoghton Arms while Ellie Wiggins is the Manager.

They said:

“The scaffolding has been up for a few weeks now, but is now down!

“We have been making it look great in time for Easter, with work to the outdoors, the roof, the masonry, repainting, and of course new signage.

“We are really pleased to bring back the famous Hoghton Arms name, which people have fond memories of.

“We want it to be a really traditional pub. The sports screens have gone, we have redecorated the inside to make it warmer and more cosy.

“We’re introducing new planters to our secret beer garden at the back.

“We now have two cask ales on, which will change as time goes on. We have a great partnership with Southport Brewery and will be selling some of their popular ales.

“We’ve had ales such as Wainwrights Gold; National Hero; Doom Bar; Speckled Hen. We’re always open to suggestions from our customers.

“We are selling popper home cooked pub food, with meals such as fish and chips – very popular on a Friday! – and other classics such as pie and chips, full English breakfast, lasagne and more.

“We are starting to serve Sunday roast dinners.

“We’re keen to introduce steak nights and curry nights soon.

“Customers can call in and play bingo every Wednesday from 3pm.

“We have a men’s darts team, and would love to start a pool team too.

“There is a licence from midday until 1am, but we will generally be open until around midnight at weekends.

“We are hoping to be opening earlier at the weekends as summer approaches, approximately 11am as our Saturdays are now.

“The Hoghton Arms is in such a great location, right in the middle of town, by all the shops on Chapel Street and Lord Street, and near all the offices along Hoghton Street.

“We’re facing the side of Southport Train Station too, so this is a popular venue for people coming in by train from places like Liverpool and Manchester, or as a place to come before they get the train out of Southport.

“Two of our regulars get the train from Wigan and come here every weekend – they love it here!

“We can also offer a function space that can be used for meetings, birthdays and events, for free, just charging for food and drink.

“Word is getting out about the changes we’ve been making here, which is great.”

John and Ellie are confident for the year ahead, with brighter days coming in Southport.

They said:

“The Easter period started amazingly well with superb weather bringing visitors flocking into town.

“There are lots of positive things happening in Southport. There is huge investment, especially next to the Marine Lake, where building work is starting on the new Marine Lake Events Centre.

“There are so many great reasons for people to come to the town, with big events such as the Southport Flower Show, Southport Air Show, the British Musical Fireworks Championship, the Southport Comedy Festival and others.

“Families have been loving the Bear Hunt Trail these past few weeks too!

“We’re really excited to invite people to call into the new look Hoghton Arms and join us for a meal, call in for a few drinks, and see what you think.” 

Find out more about the Hoghton Arms here.

Find all the latest Southport news here.

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