Last orders for Witton Chimes (From Northwich Guardian)

Last orders for Witton Chimes

3:30pm Tuesday 5th February 2013 in News Photograph of the Author By Emma Rigby

A MUCH-loved Northwich watering hole has closed its doors, sparking rumours it could be turned into a gastropub.

The Witton Chimes, famous for its live music and friendly atmosphere, closed on Sunday night following a farewell party for its landlord, Michele Cooke.

Tributed to the pub, dubbed ‘the best in town’, came flooding into the Guardian following an appeal on Facebook, with many suggesting the pub’s owners have plans to transform the venue into a gastropub.

One of its regulars, Rudheath resident Mandy Willis, told the Guardian: “I’ve been going to the Chimes since I was 18 – I’m 41 now.

“It played great music, had great staff and there was never any trouble.
“I’ve heard it’s going to be turned into another food pub but that’s not what we want and it’s not what Northwich needs.

“It’s the only place I would go for a drink in Northwich – it’s the only place I felt comfortable.”

Dave Millington wrote on the Guardian’s Facebook page: “The pub isn’t closing per se, but the landlady has left due to changes being planned for the pub by Enterprise Inns, the owners of the premises.

“The pub is regarded by many locals, myself included, as the best in town by far and no changes are required as it offers a different customer experience to any other, particularly in presenting live rock bands which no other town centre pub can offer.”

Loyal patrons of the Chimes have set up a ‘Save the Chimes’ Facebook page, with more than 2,000 people already signed up.

A petition has also been launched online to keep the venue as it is.

Despite rumours the Chimes is to become a ‘food pub’, owners Enterprise Inns say this is not the case.

A spokesman for Enterprise Inns said: “We can confirm the Witton Chimes has only closed temporarily following the former publican’s decision to cease trading, and we are already in conversations with a prospective public with a view to resume trading in the next few weeks.

“The pub will continue to service as a locals’ pub, providing value-for-money drinks, good standards and quality entertainment.”

• Did you visit the Witton Chimes? What do you think of its closure? Leave a comment below or email emma.rigby@nqnw.co.uk

Join the debate on Facebook by clicking here.

Comments(27)

pdw says...
5:05pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Didn't go to the WC very often but it was always a good night, Northwich needs a place like that, Good music and very friendly.
Hopefully not a lot will change.

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traceyellis says...
6:50pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Did not like the place as i had a bottle smashed over my head and another time i was kicked and punched by the bar staff, everybody did drugs in the place and was a horrible pub, GLAD TO SEE IT GO!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Andy Goodwin says...
11:21pm Tue 5 Feb 13

I don't know where tracyellis was drinking but it doesn't sound like the Chimes I've known and loved for the last 16 years. For the record, I don't recall ever seeing anyone take drugs in there and there was virtually no trouble.

The closure of the Chimes is a sad loss to Northwich and yet another nail in the town's coffin as a living, vibrant community.

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tinkyadventure says...
11:36pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Ive drunk in the Chimes since i was 18, in fact i used to come out with my mother, ive loved this public house for many years and enjoy the music, people and relaxing atmosphere there, ive since introduced my children to the place who are 21 and 18 who like me enjoy spending time there, i for one prefer it when my daughters come out to town and tell me they are going to chimes, i breathe a sigh of relief that they are in for an enjoyable night without grief, i havent ever hear of anyone getting manhandled from staff in the chimes ever, and the story tracyellis wrote earlier about drugs is just unwarranted, i go in most weekends and have never taken drugs in my life! i go to hear the local bands catch up with friends, kick of my shoes from a stressful week, i have never taken drugs, never been offered them in chimes .. come on really? would i take my children a place that was unsafe...silly silly comment from her

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AntiNimby says...
11:43pm Tue 5 Feb 13

Hang on a minute Tracey The Chimes didn't feature in the article on Cocaine which ran in this very paper. This was the result of the random checking:

Penny Black, Witton Street - Slight trace in women's toilet, nothing in the men's.

The Anderton, Witton Street - Strong presence detected on the seats and toilet roll holder in both the men's and women's toilets.

Madisons, High Street - Strong presence detected on toilet seat and toilet roll holder in women's, nothing in men's.

Amber Lounge, High Street - Extremely high presence found on toilet seat in women's toilets, slight trace found in men's.

No mention of The Chimes. As for getting thrown out, I've not seen anyone thrown out who wasn't acting like an Idiot. I've occassionally witnessed some nastly little sod who couldn't take their drink/was spoiling everyone else's fun taking umbridge at themseves or their mates being asked to leave. Thankfully it didn't happen very often as the locals are a nice bunch and wouldn't put up with it.

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AndyCAP says...
3:17am Wed 6 Feb 13

I have been socialising in the Chimes for over 20 years! In this time I have made many great friends, had many, many great nights and witnessed many talented musicians perform there!! The Chimes has provided a social centre to our town where friendly sociable people, no matter how they look or choose to dress are made welcome and can socialise and listen to great music!! The Chimes provides a sociable meeting place for people from all walks of life including Scientists, Teachers and other professionals and also many friendly decent people who have not been so lucky in life!

The Chimes may not be everybody’s cup of Tea, but it is too many who like instrumental and vocal live music as well as alternative disco’s and events! It provided an alternative to and in turn, complemented other establishment’s such as the Penny Black which offer’s a large non musical bar area and the pop disco establishments, such as the Quayside more frequently visited by a younger generation!

As for the comments made earlier by Tracey, I strongly refute this comment! I have witnessed the staff on the rare occasion that someone has had too much to drink to be served with alcohol or some trouble has occurred. You can see it is a part of their duties they really hate to deal with and it can quite clearly be seen that they are using the lightest handed method possible to get the person to leave and go home! They much prefer to get on with their normal duties and where possible, sing along to the music, as they are themselves Chimes fans! As for everybody taking narcotics, what nonsense! As I have stated before, there are many respectable regulars, who have been present when the Police decided to take a trained sniffer dog round all the town’s pubs! This is just the writings of a disgruntled person as far as I'm concerned and as a Chimes regular who takes so much exception to this statement, would be more than willing to take a drug’s test any day of the week to disprove these vile allegations!

The Chimes regulars really love this establishment and its current music scene and sense of community; please don’t take it away from us!!

I have been socialising in the Chimes for over 20 years! In this time I have made many great friends, had many, many great nights and witnessed many talented musicians perform there!! The Chimes has provided a social centre to our town where friendly sociable people, no matter how they look or choose to dress are made welcome and can socialise and listen to great music!! The Chimes provides a sociable meeting place for people from all walks of life including Scientists, Teachers and other professionals and also many friendly decent people who have not been so lucky in life! The Chimes may not be everybody’s cup of Tea, but it is too many who like instrumental and vocal live music as well as alternative disco’s and events! It provided an alternative to and in turn, complemented other establishment’s such as the Penny Black which offer’s a large non musical bar area and the pop disco establishments, such as the Quayside more frequently visited by a younger generation! As for the comments made earlier by Tracey, I strongly refute this comment! I have witnessed the staff on the rare occasion that someone has had too much to drink to be served with alcohol or some trouble has occurred. You can see it is a part of their duties they really hate to deal with and it can quite clearly be seen that they are using the lightest handed method possible to get the person to leave and go home! They much prefer to get on with their normal duties and where possible, sing along to the music, as they are themselves Chimes fans! As for everybody taking narcotics, what nonsense! As I have stated before, there are many respectable regulars, who have been present when the Police decided to take a trained sniffer dog round all the town’s pubs! This is just the writings of a disgruntled person as far as I'm concerned and as a Chimes regular who takes so much exception to this statement, would be more than willing to take a drug’s test any day of the week to disprove these vile allegations! The Chimes regulars really love this establishment and its current music scene and sense of community; please don’t take it away from us!! AndyCAP

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MatthewB says...
12:27pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Glad it has closed. Good riddence to it!
We need more family friendly pubs in Northwich. Nice places you are happy to sit.
This type of pub is slowly dying out.
Lets have something there that we want to drink in.

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northwich1972 says...
2:33pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Well those of you who are glad it's gone I hope you will be happy when there's no where to go for a good, cheap night out and you pay a fortune for drinks and food. There's not many pubs left in Northwich more empty boarded up buildings? Is that what you really want?

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Andy Goodwin says...
5:58pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Is MatthewB for real? There's already a plethora of family friendly pubs in and around Northwich, but only one Witton Chimes. How about somewhere for those of us who prefer to socialize without other people's screaming kids running around?

Northwich may be a small town, but it's not so small that there's no room for a range of establishments to suit all needs and tastes. A little less selfishness if you please.

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AndyCAP says...
6:09pm Wed 6 Feb 13

Andy Goodwin wrote:
Is MatthewB for real? There's already a plethora of family friendly pubs in and around Northwich, but only one Witton Chimes. How about somewhere for those of us who prefer to socialize without other people's screaming kids running around?

Northwich may be a small town, but it's not so small that there's no room for a range of establishments to suit all needs and tastes. A little less selfishness if you please.

Presumably there is not enough sit down places for him where he can get drunk in front of his children!!

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INEEDTOSAYTHIS says...
7:24pm Wed 6 Feb 13

The Chimes has always been a proper pub......with good entertainment frequented by great people from all walks of life......we need to keep this tradition alive.......THE plastic eateries have no soul and we might as well be socialising in canteens.......Borin
g !!

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DPGumby says...
7:59pm Wed 6 Feb 13

The Chimes was part of a unique double for me in June 1978, I had my first pint in there on the way to my first TT at the tender age of 17. I have been using the place as a watering hole ever since through all the good and mediocre times. To be honest for me the place had been in decline for a number of years as a `rock` and `biker` pub and a number of the people who made the place what it was stopped going regularly. Though still visiting on occasion I found it little more than a feeder for the mainstream pubs nearby - the bands had become repetative and frankly boring and DJ Steve was wasted (not literally mate) on the majority of the Friday night clientelle. Frankly I`m not holding my breath that the brewery will get someone with charisma and an alternative ethos to run the place.

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MatthewB says...
11:52am Thu 7 Feb 13

AndyCAP wrote:

Andy Goodwin wrote:
Is MatthewB for real? There's already a plethora of family friendly pubs in and around Northwich, but only one Witton Chimes. How about somewhere for those of us who prefer to socialize without other people's screaming kids running around?

Northwich may be a small town, but it's not so small that there's no room for a range of establishments to suit all needs and tastes. A little less selfishness if you please.
Presumably there is not enough sit down places for him where he can get drunk in front of his children!!

Getting drunk in front of children is the act of someone that drinks in the chimes.
Need we say anymore.

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MatthewB says...
12:52pm Thu 7 Feb 13

Andy Goodwin wrote:
Is MatthewB for real? There's already a plethora of family friendly pubs in and around Northwich, but only one Witton Chimes. How about somewhere for those of us who prefer to socialize without other people's screaming kids running around?

Northwich may be a small town, but it's not so small that there's no room for a range of establishments to suit all needs and tastes. A little less selfishness if you please.

You still have The Roebuc and The Green Dragon and the Swinging Fist.
Plenty of other pubs to have a punch up in on a Friday/Saturday.

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kerry hough says...
3:34pm Thu 7 Feb 13

I find comments insinuating that people who drank in the chimes were out to fight disgusting!. I am a hard working person who went to chimes on a Saturday night every week to catch up with friends an listen to the band's play an have a drink, in all the years iv been there not once have I ever been involved in any sort of fight! It's offensive an ridiculous to suggest this, also the remark about drinking in front of children!! After a hard week at work I just want to relax an have a drink in adult company if I wanted a meal I would choose one of the number of other places available already in Northwich.

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MatthewB says...
4:20pm Thu 7 Feb 13

kerry hough wrote:
I find comments insinuating that people who drank in the chimes were out to fight disgusting!. I am a hard working person who went to chimes on a Saturday night every week to catch up with friends an listen to the band's play an have a drink, in all the years iv been there not once have I ever been involved in any sort of fight! It's offensive an ridiculous to suggest this, also the remark about drinking in front of children!! After a hard week at work I just want to relax an have a drink in adult company if I wanted a meal I would choose one of the number of other places available already in Northwich.

My comments on a punch up were meant in humour.
However, the comments left about getting drunk in front of children is wrong and quite frankly, disgusting.

The bottom line is simply this....if the Chimes was making good profit it would not be closing.

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Andy Goodwin says...
6:08pm Thu 7 Feb 13

Oh dear, someone really does need to learn to engage brain before opening mouth (or keyboard as the case may be).

Matthew, it’s difficult to know where to begin disentangling the thread of cognitive dissonance running through your amusing little rant, but here goes…

1. “Getting drunk in front of children is the act of someone that drinks in the Chimes.”
That would be some feat given that children aren’t allowed in the Chimes. It’s slightly more defensible (although just as logically illiterate) to say that getting drunk in front of children is the act of someone who DOESN’T drink in the Chimes. The bottom line is that some people will drink to excess in front of their offspring and others will look upon this as irresponsible and morally bankrupt. The propensity to do this, however, is not the sole prerogative of any one demographic, be it a social class or the clientele of a particular pub. It does seem pretty fundamental though that in order to drink in front of children, children must be present. Since this is not the case in the Chimes your accusation clearly carries little weight. If you must fall back on broad generalisations in order to make your point at least try to make them consistent with the observable facts.

2. “Plenty of other pubs to have a punch up in on a Friday/Saturday.”
I wouldn’t know as I don’t frequent the establishments you mention. You, on the other hand appear to know all about them – I’ll leave it to the readers of this thread to draw what conclusions they may from that.
However, for the sake of argument let’s assume that those pubs are the violent hellholes you imply them to be. Did it not occur to you that the Chimes clientele choose to patronise the Chimes, and are now proving themselves to be so loyal to it, precisely because it is NOT like that. If all we wanted was copious alcohol and fisticuffs on the way home we could (and would) quite happily transfer our custom to another establishment. The fact is that in the sixteen years I’ve been drinking in the Chimes I could probably count on my fingers the number of fights I’ve seen. And fights caused by the regulars are rarer than hen’s teeth.

3. “My comments on a punch up were meant in humour.”
Really? That’s not how they came across. Perhaps before you post to a public forum in future you would be advised to reflect on how your words are going to appear to others, particularly in a situation where feelings are quite clearly running high.

4. “The bottom line is simply this….if the Chimes was making a good profit it would not be closing.”
Except that the Chimes was making a good profit (I have that on good authority from a former member of staff). The decision to close was a matter of brewery policy and not finance. And incidentally, in the wake of public pressure and extensive feedback from the loyal customer base, the brewery have now given assurances that the Chimes will reopen shortly as drinks and entertainment focused venue, ie pretty much as it was before.

Oh dear, someone really does need to learn to engage brain before opening mouth (or keyboard as the case may be). Matthew, it’s difficult to know where to begin disentangling the thread of cognitive dissonance running through your amusing little rant, but here goes… 1. “Getting drunk in front of children is the act of someone that drinks in the Chimes.” That would be some feat given that children aren’t allowed in the Chimes. It’s slightly more defensible (although just as logically illiterate) to say that getting drunk in front of children is the act of someone who DOESN’T drink in the Chimes. The bottom line is that some people will drink to excess in front of their offspring and others will look upon this as irresponsible and morally bankrupt. The propensity to do this, however, is not the sole prerogative of any one demographic, be it a social class or the clientele of a particular pub. It does seem pretty fundamental though that in order to drink in front of children, children must be present. Since this is not the case in the Chimes your accusation clearly carries little weight. If you must fall back on broad generalisations in order to make your point at least try to make them consistent with the observable facts. 2. “Plenty of other pubs to have a punch up in on a Friday/Saturday.” I wouldn’t know as I don’t frequent the establishments you mention. You, on the other hand appear to know all about them – I’ll leave it to the readers of this thread to draw what conclusions they may from that. However, for the sake of argument let’s assume that those pubs are the violent hellholes you imply them to be. Did it not occur to you that the Chimes clientele choose to patronise the Chimes, and are now proving themselves to be so loyal to it, precisely because it is NOT like that. If all we wanted was copious alcohol and fisticuffs on the way home we could (and would) quite happily transfer our custom to another establishment. The fact is that in the sixteen years I’ve been drinking in the Chimes I could probably count on my fingers the number of fights I’ve seen. And fights caused by the regulars are rarer than hen’s teeth. 3. “My comments on a punch up were meant in humour.” Really? That’s not how they came across. Perhaps before you post to a public forum in future you would be advised to reflect on how your words are going to appear to others, particularly in a situation where feelings are quite clearly running high. 4. “The bottom line is simply this….if the Chimes was making a good profit it would not be closing.” Except that the Chimes was making a good profit (I have that on good authority from a former member of staff). The decision to close was a matter of brewery policy and not finance. And incidentally, in the wake of public pressure and extensive feedback from the loyal customer base, the brewery have now given assurances that the Chimes will reopen shortly as drinks and entertainment focused venue, ie pretty much as it was before. Andy Goodwin

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AndyCAP says...
7:04pm Thu 7 Feb 13

MatthewB wrote:

AndyCAP wrote:

Andy Goodwin wrote:
Is MatthewB for real? There's already a plethora of family friendly pubs in and around Northwich, but only one Witton Chimes. How about somewhere for those of us who prefer to socialize without other people's screaming kids running around?

Northwich may be a small town, but it's not so small that there's no room for a range of establishments to suit all needs and tastes. A little less selfishness if you please.
Presumably there is not enough sit down places for him where he can get drunk in front of his children!!
Getting drunk in front of children is the act of someone that drinks in the chimes.
Need we say anymore.

Children are not allowed in the Chimes!! Obviously if you had your way they would be!!! Or do you propose that a maximum of one pint per person in each pub and a closing time of 19:00 hours? We have more than enough establishments that cater for children at certain times!! It's your completely selfish I oriented attitude that strikes a chord!! Alcohol and children just aren't a good combination really, just like cars and alcohol aren't!!

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MatthewB says...
8:10pm Thu 7 Feb 13

To Andy Goodwin.

The Chimes was just a pub. Nothing more than that.
It is not a place of worship.

Hopefully we can now put somrthing in it's place that all of Northwich can enjoy.

As for 'rising tension'.....please!
!

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Andy Goodwin says...
8:31pm Thu 7 Feb 13

Matthew, no one's claiming it to be a place of worship. It is, however, a place that was enjoyed by many. The fact that so many of the customers have been frequenting the place for years or even decades speaks volumes.

As I said in an earlier post, Northwich may be a small town but it's not so small that there isn't room for variety. There are many family friendly, sit down pubs in and around Northwich and if that's your bag that's fine - long may you enjoy them. The thing is, that's not to everybody's taste. The Chimes is unique in Northwich as the only town center live music venue and for the majority of the regulars this is one of its main attractions. You're welcome to enjoy your chosen venue, why do you feel the need to begrudge us the right to do the same?

Your suggestion that it be replaced with "something that all of Northwich can enjoy" is more than a little disingenuous - even a moments reflection should tell you that such a thing is impossible. Tastes vary - one size most definitely does not, and could not, fit all.

Incidentally, I think that if you reread my post you'll find that I never mention "rising tension", just that feelings are running high, which they are.

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AndyCAP says...
9:19pm Thu 7 Feb 13

MatthewB wrote:
To Andy Goodwin.

The Chimes was just a pub. Nothing more than that.
It is not a place of worship.

Hopefully we can now put somrthing in it's place that all of Northwich can enjoy.

As for 'rising tension'.....please!

!

A football ground and two football teams is just a game, but millions worship that!! Many people don't like the game but they do not begrudge them that game or their sense of worship!! We simply want a place with heritage where live and alternate music will prevail, hopefully finding new musical talent along the way!! Northwich has become a place of all the same, Supermarkets, Charity shops and parks! All great, but without variation, life dies hence the powers that be have finally realised this and new development is under way in the town, I'm sure you'll find plenty there to poke your stick at!!!

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MitchyTheKiller says...
1:33am Fri 8 Feb 13

MatthewB wrote:
Glad it has closed. Good riddence to it!
We need more family friendly pubs in Northwich. Nice places you are happy to sit.
This type of pub is slowly dying out.
Lets have something there that we want to drink in.

I'm sorry mate, but If you're looking for a "family-friendly" place in Northwich, you've got plenty of options. Penny Black, Quayside and Winnington Lodge to name a few. And as for a place that "we want to drink in", surely the word "we" should be replaced with "you". You seem to say it like your opinion has greatest standing over others. It doesn't.

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ClaireBear01 says...
12:40pm Fri 8 Feb 13

I can't believe one of Northwich Town's oldest and most busiest popular pubs has closed. Since the Farmers Arms sadly closed and was turned into yet another shop, there is no where else us Northwich people can go to locally to listen to good live music. Some of the bands which play there contain up and coming local Northwich talent, which surely should be encouraged ! What is the obsession with closing historical buildings in Northwhich and turning them into riddiculous over priced Gastropubs and Supermarkets. It's about time the people of Northwich were listened to a bit more as to what they really want in their own town because the way it's going, there will be nothing left.

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BODYSNATCHER911 says...
2:16pm Fri 8 Feb 13

MatthewB wrote:
Glad it has closed. Good riddence to it!
We need more family friendly pubs in Northwich. Nice places you are happy to sit.
This type of pub is slowly dying out.
Lets have something there that we want to drink in.

I agree with MathewB excepting the fact that this guy is an idiot and failed to notice that over 2000 members of Facebook agree we as in our opinion want the chimes to remain the chimes so that we can choose also

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AndyCAP says...
6:32pm Fri 8 Feb 13

I'm sure glad Enterprise Inns didn't own The Cavern Club!!

I'm also glad people already spoilt for choice and vindictive that other people actually have differing tastes, didn't get it all there own way too!!

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mandygothwillis says...
7:27pm Fri 8 Feb 13

the reason most of us go the chimes apart from great music and great pub is the people who drink in there are not narrow minded like Mathew B i have been going there for years and not once have i had trouble for how i dress because people in there accept you for who you are a few times i have gone to other pubs to get insults if thats what other pubs offer i would rather not go drinking in northwich so please bring back the pub i love and mathew b i think you need to get a life

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AndyCAP says...
10:29pm Fri 8 Feb 13

mandygothwillis wrote:
the reason most of us go the chimes apart from great music and great pub is the people who drink in there are not narrow minded like Mathew B i have been going there for years and not once have i had trouble for how i dress because people in there accept you for who you are a few times i have gone to other pubs to get insults if thats what other pubs offer i would rather not go drinking in northwich so please bring back the pub i love and mathew b i think you need to get a life

well said mandygothwillis, we all dress differently and we all come from different walks of life but are all good friends!!

How many pubs also have really keen regulars that are tea total, so the Chimes as it is, is so much more than the beer!!

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Last orders for Witton Chimes (From Northwich Guardian)

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