THE new owner of a landmark pub in Bolton town centre has pledged to restore its reputation for real ale and good grub.

Alan Ackers has added the Hen and Chickens in Deansgate to his Almer Inns chain and he now has five pubs.

His others include the Duke of Wellington in Chew Moor, Lostock, and the Hulton Arms at Four Lane Ends, Over Hulton, and two more in Lancaster.

Mr Ackers has appointed Ian Hammond and his wife Sue as landlord and landlady and says they have already started going about the task of returning the pub to its former glory.

Mr Ackers and Mr and Mrs Hammond hailed the work of the previous long term landlady, Hilary Coyne, who left the pub in 2011 at the height of the recession.

“The Hen and Chickens is the only pub in Bolton town centre I would have bought,” said Mr Ackers. “I remember the days — not too long ago — when Hilary had it, and it was renowned for good food and quality beer.

“We’ve put five cask beers on — supporting the local breweries. I want the pub to be exactly as it used to be.

“A lot of the customers were loyal to the pub during its decline and I want to put it back to how it was for them.

“The problem has been recently that there have been a succession of different people running the pub. That just never works. But through all that three pub quiz teams have stayed with the Hen and Chickens, and we have the big Mastermind event here on June 24.”

Mr and Mrs Hammond have previously run two pubs called the Red Lion — one in Westhoughton and the other in Mawdesley — as well as the now-demolished Windmill on the A6 at Westhoughton.

They are offering 20p off a pint to Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) members.

“We are passionate about locally sourced fresh food,” said Mr Hammond. “We have had our cellar and kitchen areas completely revamped and we are delighted to be here and up and running.”