Atherton’s Witch Tap House thriving after refurbishment

The Bolton-born manager is now helping build a community at Atherton‘s Witch Tap House after the venue reopened following a six-figure refurbishment.

Liz, from Heaton, took over as manager shortly before it reopened in December.

The venue, formerly known as The Pendle Witch, has been given a new look as owners sought to create a more relaxed and community-focused pub.

After more than 30 years working in hospitality, Liz said it is the people who keep her passionate about the industry.

Inside the pub after its refurb. (Image: Liz Berry)

Liz said: “I started behind bars when I was 21 in Bolton town centre and just absolutely loved it.

“I love talking to people, I love watching people when they’re on nights out, and it’s just, I can have a night out without getting drunk, and I love it, absolutely love it.”

The pub reopened on December 22 following extensive renovation work.

The refurbishment included a new extension, a redesigned bar area and improvements to the outdoor seating space.

The venue now focuses on cask ales, conversation and community events rather than loud live entertainment.

Liz added: “That community thing that pubs have is it for me.

“It brings people together. Your regular customers, they become almost family. You know more about them than the hairdresser does. They tell you everything.”

The Witch Tap House is owned by Moorhouse’s Brewery.

Outside. (Image: Liz Berry)

Liz said the aim was to return the pub to its roots as a traditional cask ale venue while creating a welcoming environment for all ages.

The pub offers five cask ales alongside lagers, wines and alcohol-free drinks.

Dogs are welcome and customers can also make use of board games while enjoying a drink.

Liz added: “We’re trying to keep it a nice pub where people can come and just relax and have a conversation, rather than turning it into a late-night venue.”

The pub currently hosts a weekly quiz night on Wednesdays, acoustic music every Sunday and a Monday club offering discounts on cask ales.

The front of the pub in a ‘thriving’ district. (Image: Liz Berry)

Liz said business had been thriving since the reopening and praised Atherton’s strong pub scene.

She added: “I’ve come over to Atherton and somebody was telling me the other day there’s actually 19 pubs in Atherton that are all going concerns.

“If you come into Atherton, every block nearly has got a pub on it. It is thriving.”