Back by popular demand, the Holly Bush – a hidden gem in the heart of Bollington – has been restored to its former glory thanks to an investment by Robinsons Brewery and an extensive 5 week refurbishment.
Originally built in 1935, the Holly Bush – a rare example of a ‘Brewer’s Tudor’ style pub from this period – is a Grade II listed building and part of the National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. As such, the scheme had to be in keeping with the period and locality of the pub; safeguarding its historic features and ensuring authenticity throughout.
Susan Forbes, Business Developer Manager for Robinsons Brewery, commented: “The Holly Bush has been out of trade since 2013. However, the brewery and local community didn’t want to give up on it. In order to bring the Holly Bush back to life a modern makeover was desperately needed.”
With great expectations and a vision to make a story with the space, full of subtle nods to the place in which it is located and the interesting people that use it, Robinsons Design Team have created a Dickensian drinking den; serving award-winning cask ales and home-cooked food.
Internally, the Holly Bush has received a complete overhaul. Upon entry, customers are drawn to the converted snug room; clad with new timber panelling, a heritage green colour scheme, floral artwork, kentia palm plants, and furnished with feature chairs that have been upholstered in matching floral ‘House of Hackney’ fabrics. Reclaimed Herringbone wood-block parquet flooring runs throughout.
The heart of the bar is where the ‘local boozer’ atmosphere is very much at its best. The shutters from the original bar have been repurposed in the new back bar display (something the locals have been happy to see), the fixed deep button seating has been upholstered in velour and black leather, and the original open fires and oak panelling have been retained; using black bricks to accentuate the quality of the traditional features.
The back of the pub has been transformed into an intimate dining and drinking area, detailed with vintage pendant lighting, ‘train carriage’ style seating and a newly formed log burning stove. Details such as original maps of farmland and the ‘cotton shuttle’ wall lights pay homage to Macclesfield’s illustrious cotton industry and local heritage.
Externally, the courtyard has been converted into an orangery; which links the front and rear of the pub and acts as a walkway to the newly renovated and accessible toilets.
Licensee and Multiple-Robinsons-Operator, Carl Butterfield, said: “Before the official re-opening, we hosted a ‘VIP’ evening to welcome the local community back to the pub after the long closure. Over 100 people attended, including the Mayoress, local councillors, the planning officer, conservation officer, residents and local businesses who all provided fantastic feedback.”
“They’re delighted to have their treasured pub back up and we’re especially pleased to see so many original features still proud at home in the pub, such as the wooden wall panelling, open fires and stained glass windows. The customers were also thrilled to see the introduction of a food menu. We invite customers, both new and old, to be a part of the next era at the Holly Bush.”
Susan Forbes, continued: “We have created a family friendly pub, which is also the ideal resting spot for walkers from the nearby canal, who desire to grab a delicious home-cooked meal and pint of ‘Robbies’ whilst warming themselves next to the open fire.”
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