New landlord for Goosnargh pub as villagers rally round ahead of opening day

The Grapes at Goosnargh is a Grade II listed building. Pic credit: The Grapes.

A new landlord hopes to restore a Goosnargh pub to former glories when he opens its doors during Wednesday (14 August).

Goosnargh resident Paul Cross has taken on The Grapes, a grade-II listed pub at the heart of the village, and has spoken of his excitement of the challenge ahead.

Paul has history in the pub trade and was landlord of The Green Man, Inglewhite, for 15 years up until 2012.

He said The Grapes last closed in May after a rocky few years and there had been genuine concern that it could be converted into residential use at one stage.

“I am from the village and know the pub’s history, and I also know that people do not want it to shut.

“I would hate to see the pub go and the support from villagers has been amazing as we have tried to tidy it up. That has been brilliant.

“The village really want it to open again and it is a proper country pub.”

With a background in the pub trade and latterly catering, Paul said good home cooked food would be at the heart of the Grapes’ offering, alongside being a quality place for a drink.

Taking on the lease from Admiral Taverns, he said the aim was to open from 4pm on the Wednesday.

“That will be my chance to say thank you to the village for all their support,” he added.

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