Eagle and Child

The Eagle and Child

The Eagle and Child, Ramsbottom, has re-opened following a substantial investment and refurbishment. The award winning pub is unrecognisable after the introduction of a Green roof orangery extension, five new guest bedrooms and full refurbishment of the bar and all seating areas.

Work was undertaken on the project by main contractors Beechcroft with the architectural, Interior design and project management by IMD &Associates Ltd.

Stephen Yardley, Designer at IMD & Associates Ltd commented: “The brief was to extend the original pub to create a green roof extension and upgrade the bar area. What they wanted to do was create a brand new restaurant whilst retaining the bar feel to the pub. On top of that they wanted to diversify their offer and create five bespoke bedrooms upstairs, which they didn’t have before.”

The improvements have now opened up a stunning view over Ramsbottom and Peel Tower.

Stephen added: “Another element of the brief we were given was to maximise the views of Peel Tower across the valley. There was only one small bay window in there which was a very popular table so we wanted to maximise that view and get the light into the property. It was quite a dark, traditional pub so the idea was to open it up, bring the light in and bring the garden into the pub as an extension of that Eagle and Child ethos and sustainability, We worked alongside the vision that Linda Goodfellow Area Business Manager for Thwaites had for the Eagle & Child by encouraging Glen to improve his business model and offer’”

Licensee Glen Duckett is delighted with the result of the refurbishment.

He said: “It’s fantastic. Everywhere is so light and airy as we’ve introduced so much natural light. The orangery is great, it’s been amazing to see that coming together and I really can’t believe the difference it has made. It looks great and the design was tailored to maximise the view which is stunning.

“We’ve also opened up the back bar area, revealing two windows behind it, so you can now see the Incredible Edible beer garden. It’s made a huge difference to the look and feel of the pub.”

With a real interest in horticulture and education, part of Glen’s vision for the regeneration of The Eagle and Child has always been to create a new style of beer garden that integrates ample dining with fun, productive kitchen gardens. The garden is a working allotment project, landscaped so you can enjoy eating and drinking amongst home grown fruit and vegetables.

Other changes undertaken include the creation of five guest bedrooms that are all owl-themed: Eagle Owl, Tawny Owl, Barn Owl, Long-Eared Owl and Little Owl, in recognition of the wildlife found in the Rossendale Valley around the pub and licensee Glen’s support of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.  Each bedroom contains commissioned artwork of owls by artist Fran Giffard, as well as a feature wall. There are two suites with Juliet balconies that overlook the valley and the orangery. The remaining three bedrooms have individual wet rooms and walk in showers.

Stephen added: “The biggest challenge was to create six very individual environments within the scheme, that were all linked and recognisable to a common aesthetic that are an extension of the Eagle & Child brand. All of the bedrooms are individual so it wasn’t like a normal hotel where you would have 50 rooms that are all the same”.

Further facilities at the Eagle and Child include on-site parking, Wi-Fi, widescreen TV, mini fridges with complimentary drinks, snacks and fruit, Espresso and tea making facilities.

The Eagle and Child is all about serving up the finest Lancashire pub grub with fresh local and seasonal ingredients. The meat used comes from the Lancashire countryside and the fish is supplied from Fleetwood. The pub loves cask ales and aims to have five hand pulled ales/ciders available at any time. Staff will also recommend which ones they suggest to go best with their fantastic Lancashire grub. Regular ales include Lancaster Bomber, Wainwright, Top Bunk (house ale), two guest ales and a craft cider.

The news of the refurbishment comes hot on the heels of the pub being named Best Dining Pub in North Manchester at the Eat Drink Sleep Awards, aka The Drinkies, which celebrate the best in hospitality in restaurants, dining pubs and hotels in Manchester.

It has previously won Best Food Pub in the Manchester Food and Drink Festival awards in both 2014 and 2016, been listed in the Independent’s top 50 Sunday Roasts in the UK and in Alastair Sawday’s Pubs and Inns Guide 2014/15 Community Pub of the Year.

The Eagle and Child is one of 270 pubs across the country owned by Thwaites – Glen won Best Trainer Award last year in Thwaites Awards for Excellence and the pub is a previous winner of the Pub of the Year in the same competition.

Andrew Buchanan, Thwaites Director of Pubs and Brewing, said: “The Eagle and Child is a fantastic pub and Glen and the team do a great job of ensuring the warmest of welcomes. The work that has been carried out really transforms the place and the new views are going to be a big draw for people.”

Glen added: “We are so pleased with the result – the designer has done a great job of retaining the character and charm that everyone loves about The Eagle and Child but with the addition of new windows, it feels really modern.”

Stephen concluded: “Our understanding is that feedback to date has been brilliant and this venue will be busier and better than ever before.  We hope to continue our longstanding, excellent relationship with Daniel Thwaites. This project develops the relationship in an ongoing effort to deliver the best possible projects for a great company and a great client.”

Beechcroft BMS Limited

Beechcroft BMS Limited operates as a main contractor specialising in the refurbishment & maintenance of all licenced trade properties, including pubs, restaurants, hotels, bars & shop fit outs for many well-known high street brands. Ray Meek & Mike Fitzpatrick began their company 23 years ago, but have extensive knowledge of the leisure industry gained through 20+ years working for similar main contractors within this very specialised construction sector.

Beechcroft BMS Limited currently work for all the major breweries, such as Marstons, JD Wetherspoons, Greene King, Mitchells & Butlers, Punch and Enterprise Inns, as well as local breweries such as Daniel Thwaites. Most recently, Beechcroft BMS Limited were involved with the Daniel Thwaites-owned site, The Eagle and Child in Ramsbottom.

Working on The Eagle and Child, Beechcroft BMS were the main contractor for the extension, refurbishment & fit-out. Matt Shufflebotham is the commercial manager for Beechcroft BMS Limited and was heavy involved with the tender process for this project, as well as the day-to-day running of the construction programme.

Matt commented:

“The E&C is a local business with a national reputation & has won numerous awards. We are proud to have completed a further project for our oldest client Daniel Thwaites.”

Matt added:

“At Beechcroft BMS Limited we pride ourselves on the size of our company, in that we are able to provide a service that all our clients want, achieving projects that are able to stand the test of time, but with a personal touch. We have a small management chain, which enables all clients to have a direct contact with senior management.

“Both company directors are actively involved with the day-to-day running of the company & are involved throughout all projects whether it’s a £20k refurbishment or a £1m+ development.”