The Red Lion Pub in Parkgate where 'everyone is welcome'

John Clarke, 55, is the manager of The Red Lion Pub, located on The Parade, Parkgate.

Previously, John has run two other pubs in the local area and has a wealth of experience in the industry.

Along with John, the owners of the pub, Jess (27) and Mark Edmunds (31), took over the pub in June 2021 and gave it a complete renovation in winter 2021.

Their aim was to get the pub "back on the map" John explained.

"We've made it more of a community pub since we took over.

"With the backing of Mark and Jess, I knew it could work and we were keen for things to move forward.

"We're unique and doing something that no one else around here does."

The pub offers meals 12-5pm, and on a Sunday they offer a sharing roast platter.

Sat in the jam-packed pub on a Thursday afternoon, John said: "We are busy most of the time. It's always like this.

"If two of you come out for lunch, with a drink each, it's £20.

"We also pride ourselves on our service. We do table service and always try to go above and beyond for our customers."

'We want anyone to come in'

Discussing the atmosphere in the pub, on a day-to-day basis, John explained that people from all walks of life, including families, come to the pub for their food menu, beers and house wines.

He said: "We want anyone to come in. We wanted to change the time.

"One-day last summer, out of the front on all of the barrels were women, and I thought 'I've done it'. We wanted to create an atmosphere where everyone felt ok to come in.

"You can come in, chat to someone, and the staff, and feel comfortable."

With a big outside area, John discussed plans for summer which is approaching.

He said: "We are hosting a couple of weddings this year and we do BBQs as well as outside events."

Outside area (Image: Chloe Nightingale)

With his team of 24 staff, the pub hosts a band night on the last Thursday of every month where local artists perform, a solo artist performance on Sundays, and there is also a Quiz Night every Tuesday.

John added: "The quiz is very popular. There are big cash prizes and it's just a laugh.

"We have good local and non-locals who come here. We have more regular people from not just Neston and Parkgate, but Heswall and Bebington now, because of the atmosphere that we create.

"Parkgate is very up and coming at the moment. Everywhere has had a face-lift and renovations, and it is drawing more people in.

"The views are also amazing, you could be absolutely anywhere."

The Red Lion is located at 16 The Parade, Parkgate, Neston, CH64 6SB.