Thursday, July 3, 2025
The Walton Arms, a well-known historic building in Warrington, is about to undergo a major transformation. Pesto Restaurants, a popular chain known for its Italian small plates or piattini, has secured approval to turn the charming, century-old pub into its latest venue. Set to open its doors in September, this new Pesto location will mark the 12th restaurant for the company and its third in Cheshire.
The Walton Arms has been a prominent feature in the local community for over 140 years. Originally built in 1800, the structure has seen numerous changes over the years. Rebuilt in 1875, it was once a halt for horse-drawn buses at the turn of the 20th century. Over the decades, it has served as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, cementing its place in the town’s history.
Pesto Brings Its Italian Flair to Warrington
Pesto Restaurants, known for its relaxed and stylish dining environments, is committed to offering guests an authentic Italian dining experience. The restaurant chain is celebrated for its piattini, small Italian plates that encourage sharing, making it ideal for everything from casual lunches to celebratory dinners. At The Walton Arms, Pesto promises to maintain the building’s historical charm while infusing it with a contemporary Italian touch, creating a space that is both welcoming and modern.
The decision to renovate the Walton Arms came after careful consideration of the building’s rich history and its importance to the local community. Pesto’s co-founder, Sara Gatt, expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “The Walton Arms is a beautiful building with real character, and we’re thrilled to breathe new life into it. Our aim is to create a space that honours the pub’s heritage while offering something new and exciting for locals and visitors alike.”
With a focus on maintaining the original elements of the building’s unique architecture, the renovation will involve restoring some of its defining features, including its tall chimneys, stone mullioned windows, and mock Tudor-style frontage. These distinctive aspects will serve as a backdrop to Pesto’s new vision for the space, combining the pub’s rich past with an inviting atmosphere for modern diners.
A New Chapter for Warrington’s Dining Scene
This move is part of Pesto’s larger expansion plan, which aims to bring its signature Italian experience to more cities and towns across the UK. Warrington, a vibrant town in Cheshire, is known for its mix of traditional and contemporary establishments, making it an ideal location for Pesto’s new restaurant.
The company’s decision to invest in the Walton Arms is a nod to the growing demand for diverse dining options in the area. By preserving the history of the building while modernising it for a new generation of food lovers, Pesto is creating a space that will undoubtedly attract both locals and tourists. The company’s reputation for delivering high-quality Italian food, combined with its focus on community engagement, will likely make this restaurant a popular destination for those seeking both excellent food and a unique atmosphere.
Pesto’s track record of successfully transforming iconic locations into welcoming and stylish eateries is reflected in the company’s previous ventures. This new restaurant is expected to carry on that tradition, offering a laid-back yet elegant dining experience. Whether it’s a quiet meal with friends or a special family occasion, Pesto at The Walton Arms will cater to a wide range of dining preferences.
Preserving the Legacy of The Walton Arms
One of the main goals of the renovation is to preserve the Walton Arms’ legacy as a community hub. Pesto understands the importance of the pub to the local area, and the company is keen to ensure that the new restaurant will continue to serve as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.
Sara Gatt, who co-founded the restaurant chain with her husband Neil, is passionate about making the restaurant feel like an extension of the local community. “We want to keep the essence of what made The Walton Arms such a special place, while introducing our Italian dining concept,” she said. The new Pesto restaurant will blend old and new, creating a welcoming environment where people can come together to share stories over a delicious meal.
The renovation will also involve creating a welcoming outdoor seating area, allowing guests to enjoy their meals in the fresh air during warmer months. The outdoor space will offer an inviting setting for diners to relax, whether they are enjoying an afternoon coffee or a dinner with family and friends.
Looking Ahead to September
With the anticipated opening date set for September 2025, Pesto at The Walton Arms is poised to become a significant addition to the local dining scene. As the renovation work progresses, locals are eagerly awaiting the transformation of this historic pub into a vibrant, contemporary Italian restaurant.
Pesto’s commitment to preserving the history of the Walton Arms while introducing a fresh, exciting dining concept speaks to the company’s values of quality, community, and innovation. The new restaurant will not only offer delicious food but also provide a space for socialising and making memories—a perfect place for locals and visitors to experience the best of Italian cuisine in a historic setting.
As Warrington continues to grow and evolve, Pesto’s new venture represents a forward-thinking approach to blending heritage with modernity. It’s a testament to the town’s ongoing revitalisation and its ability to embrace new ideas while honouring its past.
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