A WELL-loved town centre pub has reopened its doors to the delight of real ale drinkers.

The Hen and Chickens, in Deansgate, shut down in August this year but has now reopened under the stewardship of landlord Paul Kirkman.

Mr Kirkman, who will also continue to run The Albion in Moor Lane where he has been landlord for nine years, said he is pleased for “proper drinkers” that the historic boozer – which has been serving pints since the 1800s – is up-and-running again.

Thought to be one of the oldest pubs in the town centre, The Hen and Chickens is sticking with tradition by serving five real ales at any one time.

And the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) is backing landlord Paul in his new approach and efforts to rejuvenate the historic pub.

Paul said: “It’s a great pub and a big part of the town centre, so I thought I’ll take it on and get it back to its best again.

“CAMRA are over the moon that it’s open again and serving some great beers.”

Graham Walsh, chairman of the Bolton branch of CAMRA, visited the newly reopened pub for a pint and was delighted with what he saw.

“I am really pleased that the Hen and Chickens has been given a new lease of life by enthusiastic new landlord Paul,” he said.

“He is looking to revitalise this iconic town centre pub with an excellent range of real ales.”

The reopening comes on the back of the recent decision by Bolton Council, following a CAMRA campaign, to award the pub the status of Asset of Community Value (ACV), recognising the benefits that the pub brings to town centre life.

In the longer term the designation also provides better protection from the risk of immediate change of use or demolition.

The pub is also now serving homemade food, such as pies, hot pots and chilli con carne – with an offer of two meals for £10 every day, except on Sundays when there is a two-course Sunday lunch set menu for £7.50.

CAMRA members are entitled to 20p off pints of real ale, and 10p off halves. The pub also has free Wi-Fi.