Cross Guns Pub Egerton set to reopen soon with big plans

The Cross Guns, on Blackburn Road, Egerton, has been bought by Tonge Leisure Pubs and is set to open its doors as soon as work is complete to restore its standing at the heart of the community.

Managing director of Tonge Leisure Pubs Derek Tonge, said: “After one or two stumbling blocks, I am thrilled to have finally secured the acquisition of such a wonderful pub. It’s now all hands-on deck as we work towards reopening the pub as soon as possible.

“The pub will undergo a small makeover with an intention of returning the Cross Guns back to being the hub of the community with a more focused approach on competitively priced drinks, live sport with the introduction of both Sky and TNT Sports, shown on a number of newly introduced large screen televisions.”

The pub, which dates from the 1700s, also plans to reintroduce food within a few weeks of its reopening with a new menu focused much more on quality home cooked food.

Gina and Tony Laycock (Image: NQ)

It will be managed by popular and well-known couple, Gina and Tony Laycock.

Gina is born and bred Egerton, living just across the road from the pub, with Tony is known for his culinary skills as chef and head chef at leading establishments in and around Bolton and the surrounding area.

Announcing the good news, Gina said: “To say we are over the moon is an understatement.

“We are so fortunate and blessed to be running this outstandingly beautiful pub that is everything and more we could ever have dreamed of.”

The pub shut in January 2023  and Gina, who has worked in pubs and in accounts says she is looking forward to establishing the village pub, which holds memories for many people, not least herself, at the heart of the community.

And the announcement of its reopening has prompted optimism for the future of the popular gastropub.

“We can’t wait to celebrate or fantastic new chapter,” said Gina. “Exciting times ahead.”

She said: "Tony has worked as head chef in so many places and this is our first pub.

"I said I would only take on a pub as long as it was the right one and this is. I grew up living opposite it. My grandfather, John Bentley, used to come here in the 1920s and it feels like he is looking down on me telling me it will be amazing.

"People have been so supportive, I put one post on Facebook and had so many replies.

(Image: NQ)

"We are hoping to open as soon as possible, we are just having work done and we want this place to be for everyone. We will be serving food mid-July, it will good quality homecooked food at reasonable prices.

"This is our baby and we are so passionate about this pub, we will look after it."

The whole pub is undergoing a revamp to restore and keep its character as a village public house, with a beer garden ready for the summer, and the pub will be dog friendly too.

The historic pub also has a large function room upstairs with a private bar for gatherings and celebrations.

A huge car park opposite the road serves the pub too.

"We want to make this pub the place to be, " said Gina, who is planning an exciting programme for the pub including live music on some days and quiz nights.

The pub also has a huge car park opposite