Knutsford’s historic Angel pub completes £350,000 refurbishment
The Grade II listed Angel in Knutsford has undergone a £350,000 refurbishment, adding four bedrooms as its brewery owner invests in the town’s growing visitor economy.
By Cheshire Live
A historic Knutsford pub has completed a £350,000 refurbishment which has expanded its accommodation and refreshed the Grade II listed building.
The Angel on King Street has increased its number of guest bedrooms from eight to 12 following investment by Manchester-based brewery Joseph Holt.
The refurbishment has introduced four additional rooms alongside improvements to the existing accommodation and other areas of the late 18th-century former coaching inn.
Its bedrooms have been designed with a rustic style intended to reflect the character of Knutsford and the surrounding Cheshire countryside.
The brewery has also incorporated its own history into the accommodation, with rooms given names connected to the brewing process, including Brewhouse, Mash Ton and Hops & Barley.
The wider pub has received a refresh while retaining traditional features including its dark wood and tiled bars.
Investment in additional accommodation comes as Knutsford continues to attract visitors for its historic town centre, independent businesses and access to the wider Cheshire countryside.
Mark Norbury, director of pubs at Joseph Holt, said demand for traditional pub accommodation had helped drive the investment.
He said visitors were increasingly looking for the atmosphere offered by traditional pubs and that the company was pleased to provide additional accommodation for people visiting Cheshire.
The Angel has been part of Knutsford for more than two centuries.
Built in the late 18th century, the former coaching inn is Grade II listed and occupies a prominent position on King Street in the town centre.
It also has a connection to one of Knutsford’s best-known literary figures.
Elizabeth Gaskell, who lived in Knutsford and drew inspiration from the town for her 1853 novel Cranford, included the Angel in the book.
The inn appears as the place where Lord Mauleverer stays during his visit to Cranford, adding a literary connection to the building’s long history.
Joseph Holt has owned the Angel since 1936.
The Manchester brewery operates pubs across the North West and has been brewing beer since the 19th century.
The £350,000 project represents a significant investment in the Knutsford property, increasing its overnight capacity by 50% while retaining its role as a traditional town-centre pub.
The renovated bedrooms are now available as the Angel begins operating with its expanded 12-room accommodation.