Pub fighting for survival with new makeover

A pub in the heart of a community is fighting for survival following plans to bulldoze it and build houses.

The Peg Langtern in Ashton closed in November last year, but underwent a rapid renovation and reopened under new management in late December. 

The owners of the site, McCabe Ltd, have lodged plans to demolish the boozer and build nine new homes. Despite the proposals, the owners of Stacked Burgers & Desserts have come in and helped the venue undergo a huge overhaul.

The eatery has surged in popularity locally with a plethora of rave reviews for its many burger options. It has been looking for a new home, which the Pegs is currently providing.

Previously, the pub was run down and didn’t have working toilets, now it’s got a sleek new design complete with bar, seating, tables and a function room. The makeover comes with scrumptious food provided by Stacked as well as added events, such as sport on TV, open mic nights and quiz nights.

This potential was spotted by Stacked owner Wes Hague, who has invested time and money into the new Pegs. He has brought in pub manager Corey Whittaker to help oversee the fightback, who shares a passion for the site having spent years working there.

Credit: LDRS

“The pub was closed by the previous landlord for whatever reason,” Corey said. “Wes took it on to try and make a go of it.

“He saw the potential customers and the people of the area’s support for it and thought we could do it. He asked me what I thought and I said it’s worthwhile because of the community and the people around here are fantastic.

“It was a place with amazing potential and amazing people. Now it’s back and better than ever.”

The plans to demolish the St Albans Avenue venue have sparked anger locally. Local councillor Mohammed Karim has publicly opposed the plans, saying it will create more traffic, overcrowding and parking problems.

Many objections have already been submitted by locals to Tameside council, but the new landlords are trying to push a fightback by making the pub a success.

Corey added: “We hope to give it a fighting chance. We are trying to make it work for the community and make it great again.

“It’s dog friendly, family friendly and everyone is welcome. It hasn’t always been that way but we are changing that so we are asking people to come down and see that.”

The 33-year-old went on to say that the best way to support this project and to keep the Pegs alive is to come down and use it as the community hub the new management team wants it to be.

The Pegs pub on St Albans Avenue in Ashton. Credit: Google Maps