Owner of Farmers Arms in Frankby on 'incredible' return

The Farmers Arms in Frankby reopened in April this year after DGB Hospitality's return to the premises and work began on a half a million pound refurbishment to the inside and beer garden, with a huge new heated and covered patio, outside screen and outside bar.

As part of the full refurb internally, the bar was repositioned and three walls removed. Another bar was built outside.

The return has also created 45 new jobs locally, a mix of full and part-time roles. 

Inside the refurbished Farmers Arms in Frankby (Image: DGB Group)

Inside the refurbished Farmers Arms in Frankby (Image: DGB Group)The venue on Hill Bark Road in Frankby - which sits 300 people outside and 110 inside - promises 'fantastic food, a specially curated drinks and cocktail menu, as well as stunning Sunday roasts, a brilliant extensive beer garden with play area and outside bar, and live music every Sunday to enjoy with your roast dinner!' 

The pub was also nominated for a Great British Pub award in September. Although it didn't win, the team was happy with the nomination.

A spokesperson for DGB Hospitality said: "We took the keys back in January; had been here previously from 2019 until the end of 2021, and had a lot of success with the place. We left under a bit of a cloud, because we couldn't agree a long-term structure that would work for us. 

"We went away with a bit of a heavy heart, but kept talking to owner Stonegates - the brewer that owned the building - about a potential way back.

Culinary delights on offer in the refurbished Farmers Arms in Frankby (Image: DGB Group)"I think everyone wanted to find a way back, it was just finding a deal that worked for all parties involved. In the middle of last year we found a financial way forward to make things work and opened over the Easter Weekend.

"We spent the best part of half a million on it; redeveloped the garden terraces and are feeling the effects of a busy summer on the grass, so we're getting things ready to keep people off this area for a few months.

"We've put a canopy system in, it's about five times the size of the original. There is also a stage for live music of a weekend.

"We've had an unbelievable start since coming back to the Farmers. A few weeks ago, we were nominated for pub of the year, which was nice. We didn't quite win it, I think a pub in Tarporley did, but for us to come back and be recognised, nationally, as one of the outstanding pubs in the country was really nice.

Culinary delights on offer in the refurbished Farmers Arms in Frankby (Image: DGB Group)"We're going through a nice period of transition into a winter offering.

"We have a lot of innovations in mind, but are conscious of the desire for value in the current economy, so are looking at that through winter, to be able to offer people some value.

"It's always been a destination pub, but we've got a locals card going out for the local community in terms of discounts, etc, that they will have access to.

"We want to be a facility for Wirral. There's enough work coming forward, with an outstanding Sunday roast and some great offers.

Culinary delights on offer in the refurbished Farmers Arms in Frankby (Image: DGB Group)"We're a really nice-looking country pub with great big fires and everything you want for the season. There's plenty going on.

"If you've been an been disappointed in the past, come and try us again. If you've been and are enjoying what we are doing, thank you for coming.

"We've got plenty more to offer than just a beer garden."  

A breakdown of offers running from this week is as follows:

• Monday – Two course and a bottle of wine for £30
• Tuesday – Steak frites and a large glass of wine for £20
• Wednesday – Speed quiz from 8pm / Beer and a burger for £16 from 5pm / 2 for £15 cocktails
• Thursdays – Curry and a beer/soft for £16
• Friday – 2 large glasses of wine get the bottle for free
• Saturday – Live music and live sport
• Sunday – Roast dinners and live music