A Wigan pub's new owners want their success to herald a hospitality revival in the neighbourhood in general
A Wigan pub is under new management and the owners are not only hoping for a prosperous new era for it but also to see the whole hospitality scene around it revitalised
A familiar Wigan pub is getting a fresh start, with its new owners determined to bring people back through the doors and breathe new life into what they see as an important local landmark.
The Charles Dickens on Upper Dicconson Street in Swinley has recently come under new ownership, with a gay couple taking on the venue around a month ago with a simple ambition: to create a pub filled with happiness, laughter and a welcoming atmosphere.
While the venue has experienced difficult times in the past, the new team are determined to look forward rather than back.
“We've had the venue for around a month and we just want to bring people back in and make this place feel full of joy and happiness,” the new team said.
“That's what's been happening over the past month.”
They say the pub has already been enjoying some fantastic days under their tenure, but their ambitions go beyond the Charles Dickens itself.
The new owners want to see Wigan Lane thriving once again.
Their vision is for the area to become a lively destination where people come out, socialise, enjoy themselves and support local businesses.
Importantly, they don't want that success to belong to just one pub.
They want the other pubs and businesses in the area to thrive alongside them, believing that a busy and vibrant Wigan Lane can benefit everyone.
A spokesperson said: “Their message is one of community rather than competition — bring people back to the area, give them reasons to stay, and create an atmosphere where local venues can all benefit.
“For those who haven't visited the Charles Dickens for a while, the new team are encouraging people to give the pub another chance.
“Pop in, say hello, meet the new managers and see what they are trying to create.
“There is still plenty of work ahead, but after just a month, the new owners believe they are beginning to see the change they hoped for.
“For them, it's not simply about running a pub. It's about creating somewhere people feel welcome, somewhere they can meet friends, enjoy an affordable drink and leave feeling happier than when they arrived.”