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One of the area's most recognisable coastal pubs has reopened following a major £1.5m transformation, according to Cheshire Live.
The Boat House at Parkgate, in Neston, which dates back to 1850, welcomed back crowds of residents and visitors this week after a three-month closure. The relaunch by Salford-based brewer Hydes created 35 new jobs.
We previously reported that the pub was closed, so renovation could begin to modernise it while keeping the building's 19th-century character and its gorgeous positioning on the Dee Estuary.
The entire roof was replaced, a new bar was built, as was a new glass extension, a huge new 120-capacity private-hire function room, and an open-air terrace with panoramic views.
Architects reconfigured the internal layout so that customers walking through the front doors now look directly through the main bar area to the estuary views outside. The interior styling uses terracotta tones alongside local coastal bird artwork inspired by the neighbouring RSPB nature reserve, nodding to Parkgate's past as a Victorian bathing resort.
A key part of the investment is the addition of a spacious upstairs drinking and dining terrace with its own dedicated second bar, built specifically to make the most of the pub's views across the marshes.
Dale Tozer, the newly appointed general manager, said, "We knew there was a lot of talk around town before we opened, but the response during our opening week has been incredible. The feedback from regulars who have missed the place, as well as new faces coming down to see the changes, has been brilliant."
He has lived and worked in Heswall for two decades.
Tozer added, "The team has managed to deliver something that feels very current, but still feels like the classic Boat House that people love. It's been a busy start, but our new kitchen and front-of-house teams have handled the rush really well."
The relaunch is the first major project completed by Hydes Brewery in 2026. Adam Mayers, managing director of Hydes, said: "The Boat House is a flagship premium dining site for us, and we set our standards high with this project. Seeing the pub busy and watching the reaction from guests as they walk back in has been incredibly satisfying.
The Boat House is now open in time for summer drinks from 11 am to 11 pm every day, and until 10:30 pm on Sundays.
