THE opening date for a new Miller & Carter steakhouse in Middlewich has been pushed back.
Last year the Guardian reported the old Salt Cellar pub in Holmes Chapel Road would be given a new lease of life earlier this year.
The site has been blocked off, after a group of Travellers made their way on to the car park, but work on the conversion has not yet started.
It is understood refurbishment works are set to begin in the coming weeks, while a spokeswoman for Mitchells & Butlers, the company which operates Miller & Carter, confirmed the steakhouse is now aiming to open this September.
Plans for the refurbishment work, submitted to Cheshire East Council last year, were approved in January.
In a design and access statement, prepared by Design Coalition Co. Ltd on behalf of the applicant, it states it's hoped the re-branding will benefit the local economy.
The proposed Miller & Carter rebranding (Image: Mitchells & Butlers)
It added: "These works form part of a major refurbishment and conversion project that is being undertaken to transform the existing Harvester restaurant into a Miller & Carter steakhouse, both brands being nationally recognised restaurant groups operated by Mitchells & Butlers PLC.
"The Harvester has been closed for some time and it is hoped that the re-branding and refurbishment of the premises will promote new life into restaurant to the benefit of the staff, customers, and the local economy.
"It will also ensure the property will not deteriorate further from the lack of use."
The refurbishment works include:
- The erection of a new entrance porch
- The provision of a Jumbrella
- New fences, both decorative and utility
- Provision of a bull feature statue
- Installation of external cold room in the service yard
- Removal of the timber pergola in front of the building
- Demolition of existing porch and semi-circular bar window
- Removal of two fireplaces and the chimney stacks above
- Replacement of two windows with full height glazing
- Complete internal refurbishment to reflect the Miller & Carter brand characteristics and requirements including completely new bar servery, and refit of outdated toilets
- Replacement of old sodium floodlights with LED lights of equal luminance
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here