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Photos of Wigan
Photos of Wigan



Photo-a-Day Archive
Photo-a-Day Archive

Photo-a-Day  (Sunday, 27th March, 2022)

Royal Hotel


Royal Hotel
This old Pub near Ince Bar was derelict for many years but is now being restored.

Photo: Dennis Seddon  (Sony DSC-WX500)
Views: 1,964

Comment by: Elizabeth on 27th March 2022 at 08:43

Yes,it's being converted into apartments but they have kept the glass lettering of 'Walker's Warrington Ales.' They have done a great job,I never imagined the building would be restored.

Comment by: irene roberts on 27th March 2022 at 09:01

I remember The Royal well, although I never went in, being a child, but I can recall walking past with my schoolfriend and her Mam one night in 1963 and there was a group on inside singing "Twist and Shout" and we stood outside and listened to it. I was still at Ince Central Primary School and we were all mad about The Beatles! I seem to remember the pub had a big lamp hung over its door, and at one time it was a store-room for Robinson's Antiques. Isn't it odd the memories a photo can bring back?....I was suddenly ten years old again when I saw it! I'm glad the building is still there and being put to use. Thankyou Dennis.

Comment by: Veronica on 27th March 2022 at 10:18

It looks very nice smartened up. I always wondered if my grandfather ever stepped over the threshold as he lived in Caroline St. I wonder if it's haunted as well it's a good age

Comment by: TerryW on 27th March 2022 at 12:04

Glad they have kept some of the original features.

Comment by: Elizabeth on 27th March 2022 at 12:15

I haven't ever been inside here but lived nearby as a child.There is also a photo on 'characters of Ince' today of this.The band 'Five by Five' in a photo,can remember seeing them at 'Double 7' youth club in Patricroft Road.x

Comment by: Helen of Troy on 27th March 2022 at 12:48

Nice stone windows, just a nice looking building. Nice its been given a new lease of life.....NOTE to WMC.....it can be done, demolition is not always the right way to go.

Comment by: Cyril on 27th March 2022 at 14:31

I initially didn't recognise it. It's amazing what a sandblast and new fittings can do, well done the owners for renovating and preserving this pleasant building which was once so very neglected and ramshackle.

Comment by: Elizabeth on 27th March 2022 at 14:36

Couldn't agree more Helen !x

Comment by: irene roberts on 27th March 2022 at 14:39

Well said. Helen.

Comment by: Syd Smith on 27th March 2022 at 16:03

My cousin used to work here when Jack Robinson the Antique man had it, he used to tell me the place was full of mice and rats.
I think if Wigan council had announced plans to do the place up by spending Wiganworld PAD members money all help would have broke loose.

Comment by: Helen of Troy on 27th March 2022 at 21:20

Syd, demolition a fine looking building just because of some rats ?....Seems to me WMC is much in need of a rat catcher....we still have them here in the back & beyond in Nth Norfolk, perhaps some would come up & sort it for you in the Shires of Wigan?

Comment by: Bill on 28th March 2022 at 12:39

Can anyone tell me just what WMC had to do with this building and it's refurbishment.
The building was bought and being restored by a member of an Ince family and a good job in keeping the original facade.
It was John Robinson who demolished what was the long concert room part of the pub and replaced it with the eyesore at the end of Pickup St.

Comment by: Veronica on 28th March 2022 at 12:43

I must say it was in a really bad state, I would never have thought it could be brought up to that standard.

Comment by: Cyril on 29th March 2022 at 17:36

The Robinson's wouldn't have had any mice or rats in their buildings, as they wouldn't want them gnawing and destroying expensive antique furniture - would they.

Helen of Troy, apparently Wigan Council still do have a pest control team, however with the prices they are now charging I'd rather go online to buy and do the treatments for a whole lot less.

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