In recent months two of Haltons prestige real ale pubs have come under new management. The Royal Oak in Weston Village, a very successful pub and winner of Haltons Pub of The Year 2017 changed hands in December. This busy and popular pub has come under the stewardship of “H” as he likes to be known and Sam. H came along to Halton CAMRAs December meeting and outlined his vision of putting a third real ale line on, sourcing local products to supply quality food and his passion to further develop the pub was clear to all.

Not far away in Weston, the Prospect a former multiple Pub of the Year winner changed hands in September. This pub with its real fire, snug and bar, wealth of heritage and long standing reputation for quality real ale and food would be many peoples dream pub. This must be largely due to much appreciated landlords Jim and Michele. Their superb tenure at the Prospect has ended due to Jims ill health and they have everyone`s very best regards with them as they move on.

The new team at the Prospect is headed by Donna and Christine. Many of the familiar staff remain unchanged and the cellar is run by Callum who 12 months ago had previously held this position at the Prospect for 3 years. Quality real ale is still expected by the Prospects regulars! We spoke to Donna and were keen to find out why she would want to take a pub on in the current climate and what plans she had.

Why take on a pub at this current time? Donna replied that she had managed pubs before, wanted to have a family run business but that she wouldn’t have taken on any pub other than the Prospect.

What attracted you to the Prospect? Having been a previous customer at the Prospect, Donna said that she knew it was popular, had a homely feel and that when visiting they had always been impressed with the quality real ales on offer. The superb views over the Mersey, homely feel and a clearly thriving well known business had worked its magic on her.

How do you see the pub developing as you move forwards? The Prospect is due for a refurbishment and whilst keeping it traditional, Donna is keen for the pub to have a facelift. She welcomes the kitchen being extended, new toilets and the opportunity to develop the outside drinking area with its panoramic views. Critically Donna says she also has a line free that she wants to see used for quality guest real ales (some perhaps locally brewed) of her choice.

We wish Donna and Christine every success in their venture at the Prospect and with such a clear vision of the way forward we are sure the future is good. The author will certainly, like many others be a regular visitor to sample the well kept real ales and fantastic food!