After eight years lying empty, there’s an exciting new chapter for this 17th century pub
The Crown pub, on Sandbach’s cobbled Market Square, is to reopen as a £1mn Italian restaurant(Image: MEN)
An historic pub that sits in a unique location on a cobbled market square next to one of Cheshire’s most famous landmarks is to reopen as a new £1m Italian restaurant.
The Crown Hotel in Sandbach, which dates back to the 17th century, has lain empty for the past eight years on the town’s cobbles, directly opposite historic monument The Saxon Crosses.
But it is now set to get a new lease of life after being taken over by the team behind one of Sandbach’s most popular restaurants, Raffaele.
There had been feverish speculation in the Cheshire town about who exactly was taking over the historic Grade II listed pub, after builders were spotted working on the site in recent months.
The Crown pub has been fully renovated for the new restaurant(Image: Raffaele)
Now, the owners of Italian favourite Raffaele have announced their news that they are taking over the prime spot on the Market Square – moving from their current location on Hightown.
Raffaele owners Alessio Serra and Salvo Capasso say they’ve decided to locate to bigger premises so they can serve more customers, better cater for functions and “continue to flourish”.
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They said: “After several months of keeping our exciting news under wraps, we are now delighted to officially announce that Raffaele will be relocating to a larger, brand-new premises in the heart of Sandbach.
“Our new home will be the iconic site formerly known as “The Crown” (most recently Saxon Grill) which has remained vacant for the past eight years.
“We are thrilled to be bringing this historic location back to life and to continue serving our valued customers in an even more welcoming and spacious setting.”
An image of the new interior of the Raffaele restuarant inside The Crown(Image: Raffaele)
The building has been undergoing an extensive £1mn refurbishment and is set to open in September, with updates on opening events set to be announced soon.
Alessio added: “The move will allow the business to grow and will offer expanded dining options in the newly renovated and extended building.
“We’re working hard to provide a unique setting for the restaurant to grow and continue to serve our loyal customers.”
The new premises will feature formal and casual dining areas inside with a dual aspect fireplace.
The large veranda extension is being built at the back of the hisotric pub(Image: Raffaele)
There will also be a new large veranda extension with a fully glazed elevation leading to an outside courtyard dining area, offering al fresco dining options year-round.
The upper floor at the pub, which has not been in public use for decades, is to accommodate a private dining and function room suite in the new restaurant.
The restaurant has added it will be recruiting additional staff to reinforce the Raffaele team.
The Crown has an enviable position on the cobbles, right next to The Saxon Crosses which date back to the 9th century(Image: MEN)
An updated menu will, in a nod to traditional Italian osterias, will feature favourite dishes together with new options, all accompanied by a 100-strong wine list featuring Italian Organic wines. Freshly blended barista coffee will be offered.
The new restaurant is set to open in September, with the existing Raffaele remaining open until then.
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