A derelict village pub that welcomed generations is now closed - but former customers are hoping to see it restored to its former glory.
Located on Alder Lane in Burtonwood, Warrington, the Fiddle I’th Bag Inn has seen thousands from the area and beyond pass through its doors over the decades. The final one of four original place markers laid down in the village and civil parish in the 1840s, the pub boasts a fascinating history and played a core role in WWII with its usage by the UK and US Armed Forces.
During and after the war, the pub was a favourite haunt of American airmen as Burtonwood was home to the biggest airbase in Europe. At the heart of the community, in later years many residents celebrated birthdays, wedding receptions, seasonal fayres and more inside the much-loved pub.
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But many still remember The Fiddle I'th Bag Inn for its quirky and distinctive look. Much of the character of the old place was due to the previous landlord and landlady, Mr and Mrs Pasquil, who hoarded memorabilia which remained in the pub, Cheshire Live previously reported.
Full of pilot’s uniforms, old books, teddy bears and stuffed carp in cabinets and much more, the Burtonwood pub closed its doors to the public in 2019. But a Facebook appreciation group dedicated to it and a group of determined campaigners are hoping to see the historic pub as they knew it brought back to life.
Community Campaigner David Barton told the ECHO: "There was a lot of military personnel and their families who frequented the pub. It was ‘the' local haunt for people to go to.
"A lot heard from other members that it was a ‘holy grail’ for military personnel from across the world who served in the war and their descendants to come and visit it. It’s a very special place and beyond sentiment - it’s a key part of the tapestry of Burtonwood.
"It had it’s own character and did it’s own thing, it was very different to other pubs in the sense that when you came in it was a home from home." And now, Mr Barton said residents are hoping to "recapture the community essence" of the much-loved pub that was not only a long-established destination for those based in the area, but from around St. Helens and wider Merseyside.
He said: "There’s so many different people - young, old, middle-aged - who have direct connections. The serene tranquil setting is so unique and you don't see many place likes that nowadays.
"The surrounding green belt, it really is a star attraction. It’s a proud piece of heritage."
Resdient Jimmy Boardman also said: "I have family that spent many a day in the Fiddle I'th Bag and worked at Burtonwood airbase. The Fiddle I'th Bag is a place close to many people's hearts and holds many dear memories- it would be a huge shame to see this lost forever.
"I sincerely hope that the Fiddle I'th Bag gets fully restored so people can once again enjoy once again and build more beautiful memories. I would love to see the current investors be successful at getting the Fiddle I'th Bag fully restored and opened again."
Cheshire Live previously reported how in 2022, revised plans to breathe new life into the building were given the go ahead, but did not come to fruition. Now, former regulars and residents hope that the premises may undergo a full restoration and reopen as a traditional community pub once more.
The Fiddle I’th Bag Appreciation Group, a local assembly of residents and supporters, are recommending people submit their pleas for their Prime Candidate Investor(s) to be selected by the Brewery Trust Inns in order to acquire the premises as soon as possible.
The campaign is being jointly coordinated by local businessman, Mr. Rob Minjoot, theatre performer, Lavinia and community campaigner David Barton to retain the historic landmark. Although the team urges the Brewery to ensure that the pub is retained and restored by whomsoever is ultimately successful.
Should the campaign group’s investor be approved by Trust Inns, they will "be able to begin restorative works immediately with a home-grown core of professionals able to get the site running for later this year." Mr. Minjoot said: "Since the start of our campaign I have been astounded by the level of support and affection for the Fiddle in th’Bag shown in response to this significant building’s plight.
Have you visited The Fiddle I’th Bag Inn? Let us know in the comments section below.
"I find it astonishing and deeply tragic that having shown how strong this support is, by the sheer number of people who have contacted us and the numerous offers to help. Having achieved the aim of finding an investor prepared and with the means to restore the Fiddle to the benefit of the local community; we find we must appeal to Trust Inns to accept our more than adequate offer and proposition for the purchase and restoration of the site. Now more than ever, we need your support."
Chief fundraiser Lavinia said: "This may be our last opportunity to save the Fiddle. We need to convince Trust Inns that we are the right candidate with the best interests of the community at heart. I urge you to make your support known to Trust Inns."
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And Mr. Barton added: "We truly hope that after much hard work campaigning that we may yet be able to bring back this community hallmark and gain the approval from Trust Inns for our ideal candidate who would showcase the true potential of the premises not withstanding some excellent CSR o part of the Brewery.
"At this critical stage we need as many of you to contact the brewery direct now to highlight just how much this building means to you and just why we should be seeking to retain and utilize our civic heritage as effectively as possible in the modern day. The more people that contact the brewery the better."
To find out more about the Fiddle i'th Bag Appreciation Group on Facebook, click here. To get contact the Brewery, click here.
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