A REVAMPED Crowton pub is celebrating a return to the good old days as the new owners continue work to instil a community feel.

The Hare and Hounds, in Station Road, was taken over by Helena Griffiths and Mark Tilston in November after a period of ‘limbo’.

Refurbishing the interior – chiefly the kitchen – saw the pub reclaim its five-star food hygiene rating in February, but the new owners say the changes run deeper than material improvements.

Helena, who – along with Mark – has experience of running the Traveller’s Rest in Frodsham, said: “We took over in November, and refurbished the kitchen which was in dire need of some attention.

“We wanted something with a community feel, and we have got lots of charity and community group events coming up.

“The locals think it’s great because it’s back open having been in limbo – they just want that community pub.

“People had given up on the pub because it wasn’t what it should have been.

“It was taken over by someone who only lasted a weekend and then closed for four months, but we are here to stay.”

With home-cooked food and community events running side-by-side, the pub provides for residents of neighbouring areas as well as those en route to Delamere or into Northwich.

“We want to bring that local feel back,” Helena said. “We just want the community – people in the village and surrounding areas who may have thought it was closed – to know that we are here to stay.”

Plans are in place for a charity duck race in May. Currently closed on Mondays, the pub is also hoping to soon be able to open seven days a week.

Food is currently served from noon to 8pm Tuesday to Thursday, noon until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and noon until 4.30pm on Sundays.