Blackrods The Poacher reopens with new owners

A PUB has reopened with new owners and a fresh lease of life after the pandemic saw it close.

The Poacher in Blackrod opened its doors a day after the last owners left with new owners at the helm Will and Simon Yates.

With a revamped look and a new menu, the married couple hope the rest of Bolton will get behind them as they welcome the community back with a fun day.

Will said: “My husband and I used to run a pub for two-and-a-half years and decided it was time to change with a community pub and that was the main thing."

Originally from Manchester, Will and Simon now live in Blackrod and love the area.

Will added: "It’s brilliant here, we love it and the community feel. We already had connections here as my sister lives here and a friend.

"We moved here because we love the rural location and community area. There were other options but this was the best one for us.

"It’s been a big dream to find a pub like this for us because it’s just got so much potential.We want to bring back the community to the pub.

"My husband is older than me and wants to wind down now and loves the rural life.

"It’s better for him than Manchester. It’s more relaxed here."

Simon has been in the pub industry for around 30 years, while Will started at 18 but went into customer services before finding his way back to the trade.

Will said: "People do not have interactions anymore and that’s what it’s all about. To give people the space and atmosphere for it.

There will be Friday night DJs, quiz night, family fun days and more at The Poacher in the coming weeks.

Simon and Will met 13 years ago while working together at bars and fell in love. They have been married for two-and-a-half years, with sparking sapphire rings from Sri Lanka.

The Poacher will host a family fun day on August 28 to meet the locals and take into the new surroundings.

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