A CHESTER publican has paid tribute to the warm welcome and support he has received after renaming his pub as a tribute to the staff of Countess of Chester Hospital.

Pub owner and director of Jam Bars (Chester) Ltd Andrew McCracken took over The Brewers Arms, formally The Frog on Liverpool Road in Chester in February last year, not realising that just weeks later, his plans would be put on hold by the impact of the coronavirus and UK-wide restrictions.

Undeterred by the crisis however, Andrew soon pushed on with his original pre lockdown plans to re-launch the pub as The Countess Bar and Restaurant in tribute the NHS and as a thank you to the staff of the nearby hospital for the care his best friend received in his final days some years ago.

Andrew, 52, whose first job in the pub trade was as a glass collector at The Golden Eagle in Castle Street aged 17, relocated from running The Six Bells at Brentwood Lock in West London to take on his new venture.

Speaking about taking on the pub, he said: "I have very fond memories of growing up in Chester, and so when I saw that this particular pub which I remember from the late 80s/early 90s was available, it presented me with the perfect opportunity to realise a long-held ambition to return to the city.

"However, no-one could have predicted what was about to happen literally weeks later. Renaming the pub as I have is simply my way of saying a very personal "thank you" to the NHS and a tribute to all the staff at our local hospital (particularly since the Pandemic).

"The feedback we have received since opening once restrictions allowed has been fantastic, the locals have made us feel really welcome and they are pleased that we have long-term plans to make the pub a focal point and hub for the local community once again.

"We want it to a family friendly, dog friendly inclusive place where everyone feels welcome and above all safe from the moment they set foot through the door."

In taking on his new venture, Andrew brings with him a wealth of experience in the catering and hospitality trade having run his own bars, restaurants and clubs in the Central London area before going on to design and build a hotel and restaurant in Wales.

Andrew's company, Jam Bars (Chester) Ltd has established a reputation for breathing new life into pubs, restaurants and hotels, offering fine wines, craft beers and freshly prepared meals using local suppliers and seasonal produce wherever possible.

Since taking on the pub, Andrew and his staff have worked hard to build up a loyal following and regulars have been impressed by the measures he and his team have put in place to create a safe environment, with many taking to the pub's Facebook page to leave positive reviews of their experience, praising the pub's warm welcome, food and Covid measures.

Full details of The Countess Bar and Restaurant and "Pubilicious", the pub's new takeaway menu can be found at www.facebook.com/The-Countess-Bar-Restaurant