A COUPLE has taken over a canalside pub where they had their first date.

The Broken Cross in Rudheath has closed as work gets underway on a major refurbishment.

It comes as husband and wife Rob and Sammi Garland take the reigns, having worked at the pub for six years under the previous owners.

“I’ve lived in Northwich since 2009 and Rob’s lived here all his life. He actually had his 21st birthday in the Cross,” said Sammi.

“We also had our first date there so it means so much more to us than just a pub.”

The refurbishment began this weekThe refurbishment began this week (Image: The Broken Cross)

The Broken Cross recently became part of Greene King’s new Hive Pubs franchise scheme.

As part of this, the pub chain promised ‘significant investment’, with the refurbishment now underway.

Sammi said: “The refurb started on Monday (September 2) and the team are working really quick, so much has happened already!

“The new look is going to be amazing. Becoming more modern yet keeping the original character of the Cross.

“You will be glad to hear that it’s not changing its name it’s still staying as The Broken Cross. This was really important to us as it’s one of the few pub in the area that’s never had its name changed.”

How the new garden could lookHow the new garden could look (Image: Greene King)

Greene King’s website states that the pub will be ‘totally transformed’, with pergolas and festoon lighting installed in the garden.

Inside, a ‘sports zone’ will be created featuring a pool table and darts board, with new ‘strategically placed’ TVs showing Sky and TNT Sports being installed around the pub.

The refurbishment is expected to take four or five weeks, with hopes of reopening in early October.