Pickles family get keys to the Big Lock (From Middlewich Guardian)

Pickles family get keys to the Big Lock

10:16am Monday 8th December 2008

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THE new owners of a troubled Middlewich pub are aiming to bring it back to its former glory.

Jackie Pickles and son Stuart have just taken over the Big Lock, in Webbs Lane, and are hoping to lure in the customers with the promise of proper home-cooked food.

Landlady Jackie, who ran the Narrowboat in Lewin Street for 14 years, said: “We want to get the food side of things up and running again because we had quite a good reputation for food when we had the Narrowboat.”

Experienced publican Jackie sold the Narrowboat 12 months ago, but decided to get back into the pub trade when son Stuart said he would like to have a go at running his own pub.

Jackie added: “When the Big Lock came on the market Stuart was really interested in it so we though we would take it over and help him out.

“At the moment we are bringing it back up to standard. We have painted all through and now we are hoping to get all the local people back in.”

Chef Stuart, 22, will be donning his chef whites and commandeering the kitchen while Jackie will be on hand to offer her expert advice.

The pub has been at the centre of controversy in recent months when the old owners were evicted after Cains Brewery went into administration.

It was then put under the control of a temporary manager while new owners could be found.

The mother and son team have now taken over the tenancy from owners Punch and say they are here to stay.

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