Pub reopens with couple at the helm
Customer services gong for car dealer
AVILLAGE pub has been given a new lease of life thanks to new landlords and a £200,000 investment.
The Knot Inn, in Rushton Spencer, opened on May 1 after a six-week refurbishment.
New publicans Mark Eastwood and Vicki Austin have aimed to create a cosy country retreat with open fires but with a modern twist.
The pub, which is owned by Punch Taverns, has been fully redecorated and refurbished, with a new layout and landscap- ing improvements to the large beer garden and a bigger kitchen.
Chef Andrew Bailey has pledged to source the best ingredients locally and promises to freshly prepare all food on the premises – even the sauces and relishes.
Mark, a former builder, said: “We’re going to be matching the great atmosphere with outstanding food at down-to-earth prices and we’re especially pleased that we’ve found a chef who shares our passion for great food.
“The layout changes mean we can now serve 70 diners and host events for up to 45 people.
“Vicki has lots of experi- ence in the hospitality trade, but we’re both new to pubs.
“We’ve also made the most of Punch Taverns’ training and support to help us start delivering our vision.”
The pub welcomed the community with a champagne reception, inviting the police and the fire service as well as other local organisations and businesses.
Jon Thompson, new business development manager for Punch Taverns, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Mark and Vicki.
“We share their vision for best quality and service and firmly believe the BRISTOL Street Motors Vauxhall in Macclesfield has been recognised with a national award for dedication and excellence in customer service.
The Brindley Way dealership team was presented with the Customer Excellence Award after being named as one of the top sites for customer satisfaction across the Vauxhall national network.
British manufacturer Vauxhall rewarded top performing dealerships based on feedback from customer surveys about the quality of service they received for both sales and service.
General manager Chris Webb said: “Customer pub will realise its potential.
“We recognised The Knot as a beautiful pub in need of updating.
“Since Mark and Vicki took on the business, we think it has all the ingredients in place to become an outstanding pub.
“As well as investing £200,000 in The Knot, we have spent more than £1m in local pub premises in the area over the past 12 months.”
With better landscaping and play equipment in the garden, the plan is to host live entertainment outside in the summer.
There will also be parking space for three camper vans. service is our top priority and we are always looking for new ways that we can improve the customer experience and ensure everyone drives away happy.
“Receiving an award based entirely on customer satisfaction is an honour and I am very proud of my team.”
Andrew Lyon, regional operations manager at Vauxhall, said: “Each year, Vauxhall Motors recognises the top 50 retailers in customer excellence with this Award.
“Customers can be confident with Bristol Street Motors in Macclesfield that they will receive great service.”