Punch reopens community pub after £470k revamp

By Gary Lloyd

- Last updated on GMT

Heavyweight investment: Punch has renovated the Famous Crown and launched a new menu
Heavyweight investment: Punch has renovated the Famous Crown and launched a new menu

Related tags Property

Punch Pubs & Co has reopened Manchester pub the Famous Crown following a £470,000 investment and installed new management partner Dionne Blackshaw.

Punch said its investment has transformed the pub and given a classic site back to Wilmslow Road, Didsbury.

Internally, the pub has received a refurbishment to “inject an infectious ambience around its stand-out central bar area with ample Chesterfield-style booths and bench seating, perfect for socialising and sipping a tasty tipple or two”. 

Punch said the new look has enhanced visiting guests’ dining experience along with the launch of a new menu that features quintessential British classics like beef and ale pie to a Sunday Roast.

Reconnecting with community

Management partner Blackshaw has a strong background in pubs and is focused on building a strong reputation and reconnecting with the community.

Beginning with a festive sing-along with food in aid of Didsbury Good Neighbours (DGN), which provides befriending opportunities and events for older members of the community.

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Speaking ahead of the event, she said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to host the DGN choir at the pub and help to raise awareness of their great work. I can’t wait to bring everyone together, sing carols and share festive cheer across Didsbury high street.”

Investing in village

Senior operations manager at Punch Jannine Leadbetter added: “We’re delighted to have been able to invest in providing the village with such a fabulous traditional pub. Dionne has amazing visions for its future and we can’t wait to support her in bringing it all to life in the community.”

In November, Punch launched a new cafe, bar and co-working space called FAIM, alongside the Square Tavern near Euston station pubs in London.

Robin Belither, managing director of management partnerships at Punch, said at the time: “Through this fabulous investment in a previously unused space, we’ve created what we believe to be an exciting day-to-night venue. Perfect for those searching for a place to work, meet or simply enjoy great food and drink through morning, noon and night. [We] are determined to put FAIM on the map as the best venue in Euston for business, pleasure or both.”

Related topics Punch Pubs & Co

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