The pub was acquired from Punch Taverns in 2019 for redevelopment. The pub had been closed since 2016, and the new owners recognised the lack of a quality gastro pub in this popular Cheshire village.

The £1.5 million investment in launching the venue was supported by £186,500 of funding for kitchen equipment and other furniture from Bathgate Business Finance through The Bathgate Capital Fund, enabling the pub to open its doors in Easter 2025.

Richard Payne-Gill, co-owner, said:

“Prior to 2016 the pub had been a Thai Restaurant and locals’ boozer, which was an odd combination and faced tough competition from the two other pubs in the village. It was obvious that Tattenhall was lacking a good gastro pub that you’d expect to see in a vibrant Cheshire village.

“The venue represented both an excellent commercial opportunity and the chance to create something the community could be proud of – the fact we now have somewhere we’d happily eat and drink within walking distance is a bonus!”

It took six years to open the venue, due to a combination of Covid and its impact on the hospitality industry and the expanding scope of the project as the full potential of the venue became clear. The Bear opened its doors during Easter weekend 2025 and its already popular Function Room opened in September.

Richard continued:

“We saw a bigger opportunity and expanded the scope of the development to create more dining space, a new beer terrace and a total refit on three floors. This increased the investment substantially.

“When we were preparing to open, the finance providers we initially spoke to were struggling to match our financing requirements – a mix of very short- and long-term financing, at acceptable rates and quickly with minimal administrative hassle. Some funders also struggled with the complexity of the project structure.”

Richard and Michelle were introduced to Bathgate in February 2025, and the business finance specialists worked at speed to understand the project and business needs and deliver a solution that enabled The Bear to open on schedule.

Richard said:

“Bathgate’s solution was delivered with incredible speed. In particular, the very short-term loans we took, and have repaid, enabled us to maintain our strategic planning while meeting business needs. Their integrity and transparency throughout the process was faultless.”

The launch of The Bear’s eight en-suite boutique hotel rooms in early December represents the completion of the original vision for the venue. The rooms offer guests the opportunity to stay in the heart of Tattenhall village, with easy access to local walks, Chester, and the wider Cheshire countryside.

With internal development now completed, the owners are turning their attention to improvements on the pub garden, including a children’s play area, landscaping and the addition of more covered seating on the new beer terrace, an area that has proven popular since The Bear’s launch.

Esther Rigby, Business Development Manager at Bathgate Business Finance, said:

“Richard and Michelle have transformed this venue into something really special. After seeing it unused for a number of years, they recognised the prominent location on the high street, in the heart of the village, the potential for the property and the large garden and have invested in their vision.

“We are proud that, through The Bathgate Capital Fund we were able to play our part in getting The Bear to where it is today. During the process we have built a great ongoing relationship, and we remain fully behind Richard and Michelle’s future plans for The Bear – we look forward to supporting and championing the business as it continues to thrive.”

For information on booking accommodation from December, announcements and offers, visit: https://thebeartattenhall.co.uk/news/

For more information about Bathgate Business Finance visit bathgatebf.co.uk, call Esther Rigby on 07384 540714 or email esther@bathgatebf.co.uk