Stange & Co, the pub chain that owns three local watering holes - the Jug and Bottle in Heswall, The Ship at Parkgate, and The Fox and Hounds in Barnston - has revealed that The Ring O'Bells in West Kirby will soon make it four.

After a long delay, refurbishment work is about to start.

The Jug and Bottle, Heswall

Stange & Co bought the pub from Greene King in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Having drawn up plans to invest in and extend the building and create an outside area, lockdowns stalled the project as the company concentrated on existing sites.

Now the company says work is imminent and that its aim is to open the new look Ring O'Bells in the spring of next year.

The Ship, Parkgate

Writing on the pub's website, the company said: "We're so happy to finally be able to say that work is due to start at the end of the summer. Finally, after what has felt like forever, we can start the project of restoring the Ring O'Bells back to one of the best pubs on the Wirral… 

"The Ring O'Bells is one of England's oldest pubs set in the quaint and conservation old village of West Kirby. The pub has changed hands several times over recent years but has come to rest in ours as we take it forward and restore her back to her original glory as a traditional country pub serving great local ales, quality world wines and a fantastic menu of British classics and seasonal specials.

"The pub is currently and will remain closed whilst we undertake a sympathetic yet extensive refurbishment both inside and out. Along with some new and exciting plans of an additional garden room to allow for a more open and bright dining space, as well as a fantastic new garden area outside to enjoy the warmer British months."

How the new Ring O'Bells might look