The Thatch & Thistle, Southport reopens under new management

THE Thatch and Thistle, in Southport, reopened on:- 4 April 2024, under new management and with a new food menu following a revamp by Heineken owned Star Pubs.

Inside the number of covers has been increased from 140 to 161 and a new darts are created. New furniture has been installed and the wooden floors renovated, giving the interior a fresh look and feel. The kitchen has also had a £40,000 upgrade to enable the pub to broaden its food offer.

Outside, The Thatch and Thistle have been spruced up and repainted with new signage and brass lanterns. A key feature of The Thatch and Thistle is its large beer garden. New turf has been laid and a raised seating island created. Heineken branded garden furniture has also been installed, seating 121, as well as new planters to give the pub a smarter look and feel.

Energy efficiency works range from supplying LED motion-sensor lighting to installing technology that will turn off drinks fridges when no movement is detected behind the bar and switch off cellar cooling equipment when the surrounding temperature is low enough.

The menu at The Thatch and Thistle will consist of traditional pub favourites including a cracking Sunday Roast. Food will be good quality but reasonably priced and there will be a special menu for children.

The drinks offered will include:- premium beers, spirits, and wine, zero alcohol and soft drinks and fresh coffee.

The new publicans, Gary Rainford, and Suzanne Norris, have moved from Cheshire to take on The Thatch and Thistle and to be nearer to Sue's family. Gary and Sue both have 25 years of experience in hospitality.

In addition to offering good food at affordable prices, the couple's plans for The Thatch and Thistle are to establish a reputation for sports including pool, darts and showing live sports from TNT and Sky. They will also be introducing live entertainment and want to reinstate the pub quiz.

Says Suzanne:- "It is great to be back home again. I was born and brought up in Kew, around the corner from the pub, and so knew the pub from a young age, little realising I would be running it one day! Gary and I are keen to work with Southport football club as we'll be the nearest pub for fans to meet in before matches. As well as showing live sports, we want the pub to be somewhere everyone can relax and enjoy themselves, so there will be quieter areas for those not interested in live sports. The pub will also be dog friendly throughout. It's important to us that The Thatch and Thistle is a focal point for the community. We'll be continuing to host functions and intend to support local groups wherever possible."

Says Star Pubs Business Development Manager, Tracy Duncan:- "I'm delighted that Gary and Sue have taken on The Thatch and Thistle. They're experienced publicans and as Suzanne comes from the area have the benefit of local knowledge and an understanding of what people want. I am sure the pub will go from strength to strength and wish them well."

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