New landlords for Hawkshaw pub, The Waggon and Horses

Kelsey Thompson and Dave Kurtz-Williams took the reins of The Waggon and Horses on Bolton Road on Monday after its previous landlords John and Wendy moved on.

Having worked her way up through the pub industry ranks since the age of 15, Kelsey has done everything from pot washing to managing.

She will be bringing her expertise to front of house duties while her children’s book illustrator dad will be helping behind the scenes.

Former landlord John will remain as a regular at the pub and will continue to supply the kitchen with eggs from his farm.

In an announcement on the pub’s Facebook page, the pair wrote: “We’re extremely excited and looking forward to meeting all customers old and new on our new venture at the Waggon. We hope to see you all soon.”

The pub has been part of the village for 150 years and as well as being family run, the staff are pleased that Kelsey and Dave plan to make it even more of a community staple.

Kate Cladwell, who has worked at the pub for more than 20 years, said: “(The Waggon and Horses) has served the community for a long time.

“I think probably 80 per cent of the staff are from the village and obviously the staff are going to remain the same.

“Its going to be a family business with Kelsey and her dad but at the minute it already is.

We have quite a few families work at the pub and they all work together

“We’re definitely a village orientated pub.”

The Waggon and Horses Hawkshaw

Kate said that the new management will continue to hold events that punters know and love including the Monday night quiz and Rock and Roll bingo.

Kelsey and Dave have had a very busy few days and have spent their first week getting to grips with the task at hand.

Kate added: “Kelsey has worked in the pub trade before, but it’s a bit different to actually running your own pub, there’s a lot more.”