Real ale brewers cheer pub investment
BUSINESS expansion is brewing for a Wigan couple, who are transforming a railway arch in Wigan into a real ale and cider bar.
John and Patsy Slevin are opening Wigan Central at the first railway arch on Queen Street, in the town after sealing a £65,000 funding package from NatWest.
The couple, who already run the Silver Tally pub in Shevington Moor, also own Prospect Brewery, where they have created more than a dozen specially made real ales, many of which will be on sale in their new bar.
The brewery business started as a part-time venture for Patsy who began brewing in her mother-in-law’s garage.
Patsy Slevin said: “It was never meant to be a full-time thing but it has just grown and grown. We brew more than a dozen different real ales which are sold in more than 100 pubs across the North West.
“We are proud of the products we make and we want people to come in and enjoy our beers in a unique setting. The Arch will make a distinctive space for people to come and enjoy their drinks.”
The new bar, which is around the corner from Wigan North Western railway station, and named after Wigan’s now defunct third railway station, Wigan Central, will serve six of Prospect Brewery’s real ales on tap as well as three ciders. Refurbishment works are underway and up to six new jobs are to be created when the pub opens before Christmas.
NatWest relationship manager Jamie Grimshaw worked with the Slevins on the funding, and said: “Patsy and John have developed a great product and are passionate about their business and industry, and I wish them every success for the future.”
