Cheshire

‘Brainstorming gone mad’ – villagers bemused by country pub’s ‘cool new’ rebrand

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 1st August 2022

Residents in Cheshire have been left ‘bemused’ by the rebrand of a local village pub.

The Red Lion in Goostrey has been saved by the Cheshire Pub Company, who will transform the boozer with a ‘cool new concept’.

The company has picked a space-age name as a nod to the pub’s proximity to Jodrell Bank observatory, and not everyone is happy about it.

After its makeover this summer, The Red Lion will reopen as The Space Invader.

The news was announced on Facebook with a post that said: “Mission accepted. Cheshire Pub Company can officially announce that they will be landing in the village of Goostrey this Autumn.

ADVERTISEMENT
The Red Lion will reopen as The Space Invader this year. Credit: Google Maps

“Goostrey’s villlage pub, formerly The Red Lion (as pictured) will undergo a makeover this summer, and will be awarded the new name of The Space Invader.

“While the premises will remain a traditional village pub, the cool, new concept will pay homage to the area’s heritage whilst delivering on excellent service, great food, and good times.”

ADVERTISEMENT

One local said the new name was ‘cheap and ridiculous’ while another said it was ‘an absolutely stupid name’.

They wrote: “I think its great that the pub is having a refresh…….but the name change sounds cheap and ridiculous and not in keeping with the village. The Red Lion has been a part of Goostrey all my life! Everyone I have just mentioned it to thinks your choice is wrong.”

Another said of The Space Invader name: “Sounds to me like it’s a brain storming session gone mad and the CEO of the Cheshire Pub Company who obviously spent to much time as a kid holidaying in Blackpool got his life long dream of naming a pub after his favourite holiday past time. It’s a village pub for **** sake (Crazy).”

ADVERTISEMENT

One asked: “Great that there’s going to be a refurbishment but surely a better name could be thought of if they want a local link why not just call it …The Lovell or Bar 1957 the date the Telescope was completed.”

In the comments on Facebook, someone said: “Very excited about the refurb totally bemused about the name really not a great choice and judging by the feedback on here I’m not alone in my thoughts.”

But several people pointed out the positive news that the pub was being saved and would remain as a community village pub.

Someone said: “Pleased that the pub is being renovated and will still exist as such. I guess that the name is a link with Jodrell Bank. Good idea! What’s in a name? A well run pub with good food, parking and a space for children to play will do well in my opinion!”

Another said: “I do find it amusing how revved up people are getting about the name. The pub has been saved from being turned into a house or an office!!! The village still has this pub!!! Come on guys, chill out a bit, the name can be changed at any time but if it became a private dwelling that would be almost irreversible.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Read more: Oldham athlete Matt Walls shares health update after terrifying Commonwealth cycling crash

The Cheshire Pub Co. said in a statement to the Manchester Evening News: “There is no doubt the name has caused controversy amongst the locals of Goostrey, yet Cheshire Pub Co. ensure that the new name was carefully, and respectfully chosen to link to the Jodrell Bank Observatory, and it’s founder Sir Bernard Lovell – The (ultimate) Space Invader.

“The Space Invader is so much more than a name, it’s a moment in time, an escapism, a satisfaction, and most importantly an element of fun to stand out, and remind us that positive change in the right direction is not only important, it’s necessary. The pub will deliver a respectful, modern take on a classic memory, whilst preserving the former memory and traditions of The Red Lion.

“Whether a classic memory for you is a traditional family dish, an old book, a classic video game, fond film or a favourite place, we will endeavour to recreate those feelings of nostalgia, and grant more heart-warming moments again and again, because that’s just what we do.”

Featured image: The Cheshire Pub Co

Cheshire

The Manc Group launches Audio North platform to showcase music scenes across Northern cities

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

The Manc Group has launched a new Audio North platform, created to showcase the music scene across all cities and towns in the North of England.

Through video-led content, Audio North will deliver artist interviews, backstage venue secrets, concert highlights, music-inspired vox-pops, live-streamed events and much more, bringing the thriving music scene in the north of England to life on social media.

Through The Manc Group’s websites, Audio North will also bring readers gig announcements as they happen, venue updates, festival line-ups, music reviews, artist stories and more. 

We’re already behind pages including The Manc, The Hoot and The Sheff, covering cultural news from Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and the surrounding areas. 

With a combined 2.3 million followers across our social media platforms and a million website users each month, the group is now dedicated to showcasing the best of the music scene up North. 

Audio North is all about championing local and visiting talent to the Northern region, including The Manc Group’s home cities plus neighbouring icons like Liverpool, Newcastle and beyond. 

It’s about celebrating the region’s rich musical histories, from Oasis and The Beatles to Pulp, Take That, Pulp and more, while demonstrating to the world that the North is still king of the music industry. 

Building on existing partnerships with the UK’s leading venues including the AO Arena in Manchester and the First Direct Arena in Leeds, as well as smaller grassroots venues, plus a long-standing partnership with StreamGM, the new channel will celebrate and amplify British Northern music. 

Video series that will launch with Audio North will include ‘Short Stuff’, 60-second videos delving into the histories and origins of local music scenes; ‘On The Street’, chatting to music lovers on the streets and in the queues outside venues; and ‘Audio Meets’, where rising stars and established artists will give their own insights into the music industry, plus an ongoing partnership with Spill The Sound. 

Audio North at the First Direct Arena Leeds
Audio North at the First Direct Arena Leeds
Night and Day Cafe in Manchester
Night and Day Cafe in Manchester
Serge of Kasabian
Serge of Kasabian
Credit: The Manc Group

Abbie Bartlett, head of brand at The Manc Group, said: “We’re so proud of our northern roots and our home cities, and especially the world-famous music scenes that exist here. 

“From The Leadmill to the AO Arena, Night & Day Cafe to the First Direct Arena, The Cavern Club to Brudenell Social Club, we can’t wait to show off all the places and events that make the North such a vibrant and lively place to live. 

“Nothing can compare to the buzz of seeing live music, but we hope through Audio North we can provide the next best thing to being inside an actual concert.

“It’s about time we change the London-centric narrative around the UK’s music scene and bring all eyes up North.”

Here’s an example of the kind of exclusive content you can expect from the newly unified entertainment brand and music outlet:

Laura Graham, StreamGM’s Producer said: “The North has always produced a rich source of incredible music, and StreamGM has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with The Manc Group because we share an innate passion, pride and dedication to the region’s music scene.

“Having worked with The Manc Group on a number of very successful music and cultural campaigns over the years, StreamGM is thrilled about the launch of Audio North, and we are here for it! 

“Together, StreamGM and Audio North will promote the diversity and global acclaim of our local music and culture. This will include exclusive, collaborative content with two of StreamGM’s biggest online music series: Spill The Sound – a northern indie music show presented by Louise Schofield that platforms renowned and breakthrough talent, and MainRoom; our live-streamed underground clubbing series that brings grassroots northern dancefloors to living rooms across the world, featuring exciting new DJs and club nights from across the region.”

Audio North launches on Thursday 18 July – you can follow it on Instagram HERE. 

For more information and to share local music news, email [email protected].

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image — The Manc Group

Cheshire

Passengers urged not to fire verbal or physical ‘abuse’ at conductors on Northern trains

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Northern is pleading with passengers not to fire verbal or physical “abuse” at conductors on its trains.

As we head into the busy summer travel season, the train operator has highlighted a number of incidents that its crew members have faced in recent years while they’ve been on duty and working to “ensure everyone reaches their destination safely”.

Now, it’s cracking down and asking the public to treat everyone working on the railway with “respect”.

Northern has admitted that while the “overwhelming majority” of people who travel on its trains are polite and respectful, this unfortunately cannot be said for everyone, as there’s sadly been a “very small minority” that has resorted to shouting, spitting, and attacking members of staff over the last couple of years.

The company said it “will not tolerate” verbal and physical abuse towards staff, and is insisting it will be quick to “take action” against anyone who threatens its employees’ safety.

Passengers are being urged not to fire verbal or physical ‘abuse’ at conductors on Northern trains / Credit: Northern

“We welcome millions of customers on board our trains every year and the overwhelming majority are polite, considerate, and respectful of others,” Northern said in a statement as it pleaded with passengers to show respect to train crew.

“Unfortunately, given the numbers involved, our conductors do also encounter people who are somewhat less respectful of them and the safety critical role they have onboard.

“And that is unacceptable.”

The train operator said it “will not tolerate” hostile treatment of its staff / Credit: Northern

Back in December of last year, Northern revealed that the number of dangerous attacks on its trains was down almost 90% in the previous 12 months, with the number of recorded incidents falling from 69 to just eight.

The train operator has also said that the chance of perpetrators being caught on camera is now “much higher” than it was before too, and this comes after it added a further 600 new CCTV cameras to the more than 1,000 that monitor all its stations, and also installed 7,000 HD CCTV cameras on board the trains themselves.

An additional £1.7 million has also been invested into adding more than 1,000 extra body-worn camera kits to its train crew.

Read more:

Dozens of undercover and plain-clothed police officers, as well as Northern’s own travel safety officers, also regularly patrol services across the network.

British Transport Police has access to all footage and can use it in criminal prosecutions.  

Featured Image – Northern

More Cheshire

Cheshire

Chester Zoo reveals new plans for ‘spectacular’ winter light trail

Boroughs

Warning to motorists ahead of several overnight closures on M6 near Wigan for ‘complete resurfacing’

Boroughs

Plans for new Manchester to London train service unveiled following HS2 scrapping

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches