A new chapter begins at The Faulkner and it’s going to be Wild(es)! #News
Victoria Hayes
1st November 2022
The news became public this week of a change at the helm of on one of Cheshire’s most beloved pubs, The Faulkner in Hoole.
The venue in Faulkner Street has been owned by Darren and Kelly Lea for the past 11 years winning multiple awards, including several Taste Cheshire awards and was named the Best Food Pub in the UK in 2020; but they have announced that the pub has now been sold to Wildes Inns Limited.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the Leas said: “It’s been a very hard and emotional decision to make, but for us, it’s time for a change, a time to enjoy ourselves and our family a little more.
“We are extremely proud of what the Faulkner family has achieved together, especially turning our little back street pub into a multi award winning and locally recognised gastro pub.
“We had a dream when first took over the pub back in January 2012 to make the Faulkner a hub for the local community, to develop a team of likeminded people, who would selflessly provide the very best customer service and to make the Faulkner one of the best fresh, locally sourced food pubs in the area and we think we achieved that dream.”
The post continues: “The Faulkner is an amazing pub, the customers are just fantastic, especially our regulars, of whom there are some real characters. We would like to thank everyone for your continued support over the years. Throughout COVID and right up until today, the local community of Hoole, which we have always championed and supported, has stuck by us all the way.
“And finally, our team, we couldn’t have done any of this without them by our side. We have been so lucky over the years to share this journey with them and their families. Above everything else, leaving them will be the hardest part of this.
“As with all good things, the end of this chapter has come for us and we wish the new owners Wildes Inns Limited every success for the future.
“To end, we thought we’d share the title of our most recent Trip Advisor review which sums up perfectly what the pub is about. ‘A real gem of a gastro pub well worth a visit’
“Thanks to everyone, cheers
“Darren & Kelly Lea.”
The post has garnered plenty of support from residents with some expressing their shock. One commentor said that they had made The Faulkner a ‘special place in Hoole’ with another saying the pair will be ‘sorely missed’ and all wishing the couple the best for the future.
Wildes group, the new owners are already known locally as the developers of a long awaited hotel by the cross in Chester City centre with a restaurant attached headed up by Roux Scholar Harry Guy.
Chef Harry Guy graced the chef demo stage at Chester food and drink festival last Easter and is engaged in a series of pop ups in Parade at Chester Racecourse while building work continues on the venue.
Wildes have today announced that Harry Guy will also be popping up at The Faulkner, this time for Christmas Lunch.
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Private: The Faulkner Pub, Bar and Restaurant
48 Faulkner Street, Hoole, Chester, CH2 3BE
The Faulkner is the must visit pub in Chester for those looking for great restaurant standard food, cask marque recognised ales & a fabulous wine list, in modern cosy surroundings
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