A NORTHWICH pub has taken on the name of one of the town’s most famous sons after undergoing a complete refurbishment.

Formerly known as Winnington Lodge, the pub’s owners have decided to rename it as the Sir John Brunner and boasted of creating 15 new jobs at the same time.

The Winnington Lane pub has been refurbished with a new, what the company has called, 'flame-grill inspired decor', new furniture and kitchen equipment, as well as a new menu focused on steaks and grills which are served on ‘sizzling hot skillets’.

The company decided to name the pub after John Tomlinson Brunner.

John established a chemical factory at Winnington in the late 1870s with a chemist named Ludwig Mond, where they used the Solvay process of producing Soda Ash.

After a slow start, Brunner Mond and Company became the wealthiest British chemical company of the late 19th century.

Brunner was an influential character in the area and used his wealth to benefit the wellbeing of the community, investing in schools and community buildings such as the National School in Over, Winsford.

Phil Davidson, general manager of the Sir John Brunner, said: “The decision to change the pub’s name wasn’t taken lightly but we felt it’s the right thing to do to celebrate the pub’s new beginning as a Flaming Grill pub.

“The pub will still remain at the heart of the community and we wanted to use our relaunch as an opportunity to celebrate someone who has had such a positive influence in the area – Sir John Brunner is that man and we’re proud to celebrate his heritage with our new name.

“We can’t wait to see who makes it on to our ‘Hall of Flame’ when taking on our food challenges, they’re definitely not for the faint-hearted.”

Alongside the usual pub classics sit some of the more adventurous meals like the pub’s infamous 1kg Flaming Challenge Burger.

The burger features two flame-grilled 12oz beef burgers, two breaded chicken fillets, spicy chilli beef, melted cheese slices, onions, crispy bacon and onion rings, all served with a giant helping of chips.