Cheshire pub The White Bear reopens after five-figure restoration

Knutsford-born Callum Murphy says he has been overwhelmed with support since taking over the iconic thatched White Bear, the oldest pub in the town.

The landmark hostelry, dating back to 1597, has been inundated with customers after re-opening a week ago.

Knutsford-born Callum Murphy has vowed to restore the town's oldest pub to its former glory (Image: Supplied)

Callum, 34, who invested a five-figure sum to refurbish the Grade II listed pub, said: ”It has been overwhelming.

“I want to thank all the regulars and locals for coming in and being so kind.

“Everyone has been so supportive, it means a lot.

Customers can relax and enjoy a pint of Murphy's beside the fire (Image: Supplied)

“I sat down for five minutes to take it all in.

“The pub was glowing, we had around 60 people in, families, a younger crowd, old guys having a pint and couples who’d been out walking their dog.

“Everyone had a smile on their face.”

A piano-organ takes pride of place beside Chesterfield wing back chairs (Image: Supplied)

Callum has vowed to return the hostelry to its roots and has meticulously sourced heritage items from the pub’s history.

“We’ve tried to make it more comfortable and cosy,” he said.

“We’ve put Chesterfield wing back chairs in front of a fire. They are gas because of the thatched roof but the logs glow so they look the part.

Callum Murphy wants to be part of the local community (Image: Supplied)

“A fully working Cheshire piano-organ is back and we are having a Grandfather clock restored by a clockmaker from Knutsford.”

Photographs removed from a previous refurbishment and donated to Knutsford Heritage Centre adorn the walls again.

“I want to preserve the heritage of this pub,” said Callum, who worked in Knutsford pubs and restaurants until he was 23.

“The White Bear has so much history, we’re bringing it back to life.

“I want to create a classic, no-nonsense good value pub, where everyone feels at home.”

Callum has teamed up with Woods Butchers in Knutsford to supply traditional pub snacks like pies, scotch eggs and sausage rolls.

“The meat and potato and steak and gravy pies are flying out,” he said.

“They’re going down really well.”

After asking customers for their suggestions, Callum plans to introduce a ‘dish of the day’ in the coming weeks.

“We will offer one type of meal, such as shepherd’s pie or cottage pie,” he said.

“It will be inexpensive and on all day until it sells out.”

Callum also plans to serve a free lunch on Christmas Day to 80 people who live alone and may feel lonely and isolated.

“We will fund most of it and perhaps have a cheese and wine night to contribute towards the cost,” he said.

Customers took to social media to compliment the pub’s new look.

One man said: “Massive fan of the new White Bear.

“Staff are fantastic and the new owner really cares about what they are doing.

“A superb range of beers, crémant by the glass and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

“They made us so welcome, it was busy and bustling.

“I really hope they succeed.”

Another woman added: “I felt at home, they’ve done a wonderful job.”

Callum says he is delighted to see people of all ages relaxing and enjoying themselves.

“We’re attracting multi-generational customers, it’s exactly how I wanted it,” he said.

“We’ve had regulars, young and old, as well as people who have just moved into the area.

“Everyone says they are happy with the improvements and changes we’ve made.

“I’ve been chatting to so many people who remember me and my family from when I used to work in the town.

“I met one man whose father was born in the pub. He is 92 and was a former licensee.

“He says he is keen to meet me and see what I’ve done so we are arranging for him to come in.

“We want to be part of the local community.”