THE Big Lock’s new manager has thanked the community for the welcome he has received since he took on his new role.

Lewis Evans, 26, has been the manager at the Big Lock, in Webbs Lane, after Ken & Jackie Pickles retired back in July.

Lewis said: “I’ve settled in really well and everyone has made me feel so welcome. I like how everyone knows each other here, I am from the Wirral and it’s been so nice how the community has accepted me into the group so quickly.

“We were extremely busy for the first week, it has died down a little bit now but we are still busy most of the time.”

Lewis works for the Carwood Group, who also run the Old Sessions House in Knutsford, and the charm of the Big Lock’s location is what sealed the deal for them.

Lewis said: “My boss had been looking for a new restaurant in Manchester but as soon as we saw The Big Lock was available and right on the canal, the decision was made very quickly.

“I’ve kept all of the staff as well so no one has lost their job due to the change of management and they have all been fantastic.

“Amy, my assistant manager, has been here for eight or nine years now so she knows this place like the back of her hand.

“It’s great because they know the area so well, if my boss suggests something that would not work here, Amy would be able to say why.

“I am looking to hire another chef purely due to how busy we have been.

It is an exciting time for the team at the Big Lock and they have just announced major refurbishment works to take place next year.

Lewis said: “We will probably be closed for all of January while the refurbishments take place, we are hoping we would be back open in February.”

There is also a family event planned for August bank holiday in the Big Lock.

They are hosting a family event similar to the Folk and Boat festival in which the popular outdoor marquee will be returning.

There will be bands performing including Emperors of the North, Photo Booth Smile, Venus Rising, and the main act will be Mind over Matter.

The event is on Sunday, August, 26 with bands performing from 2pm to 9pm and the event is free for all to attend.