New White Bear owner vows to restore town's oldest pub to former glory

The iconic thatched White Bear, dating back to 1587, has a new owner.

Knutsford-born Callum Murphy is taking over the landmark hostelry and has vowed to turn it back into a ‘classic British boozer with fresh new experiences’.

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The Grade II listed pub on Canute Place closed last night for refurbishment and reopens later this month.

This historic picture shows The Old White Bear in the early days (Image: Supplied)

Callum, 34, said: “My motivation for taking on The White Bear comes from seeing the number of pubs closing and the loss of these precious places where communities come together.

“I want to preserve the heritage of this pub.

“It needs to be a proper British boozer where anyone can come and feel at home.

This picture shows the thatched roof of The White Bear on fire many years ago (Image: Supplied)

“I want customers to feel like they get a hug and a warm fuzzy feeling as soon as they walk in.”

In returning the hostelry back to its roots, Callum has meticulously sourced items from the pub’s history.

Photographs removed from a previous refurbishment and donated to the Knutsford Heritage Centre will once again adorn the walls.

The iconic pub years ago (Image: Supplied)

These photos include early 20th century images of the pub, pencil sketches of Knutsford, maps of Cheshire, and a cherished photo of the town’s May Queen from 1939.

The new owner has also sourced original furniture, a grandfather clock crafted in Knutsford and a fully working Cheshire piano-organ.

Callum said: “I want to create a classic, no-nonsense good value pub, where anyone can feel at home.

“The White Bear will be a place where friends, family, and colleagues can gather—whether for post work drinks, traditional savoury snacks, or to catch the game.

“We're creating a local hub where tradition, quality, and comfort come together.”

Callum has teamed up with Woods Butchers in Knutsford to supply traditional pub snacks like sausage rolls, scotch eggs and pies.

Sunday roasts and special evenings serving steak or cheese and wine are in the pipeline.

Callum, who has worked on various successful hospitality projects in London over the past decade, said: “I’ve got a big passion for wine.

“I’ve been driving round vineyards in the south of France.

“There will be some hidden gems from France on our wine menu.”

On draught, Murphy’s Irish Stout will stand out as a proud alternative to the ubiquitous currently trending Guinness Stout.

There are multiple theories on the origins of the pub’s name.

One suggestion is that it comes from the crest of Richard III’s Queen depicting a white Bear, but upon investigation this appears to actually be a white boar.

The most credible theory is that of Sir Francis Drake's famous ship The White Bear, for his raid on Cadiz harbour in 1587.

Callum, who worked in Knutsford pubs and restaurants until he was 23, added: “The White Bear building has so much history and it would be a shame to see it closed for good.

“We’re bringing it back to life, ensuring it remains a key part of Knutsford’s social fabric, with some revived twists on the classics.”

The beer garden will be transformed into a versatile space for all year round enjoyment, by transitioning design with the seasons.

For Christmas, it will be turned into an alpine chalet winter wonderland and a French Riviera terrace in the summer.

The pub will be reopening with a launch party on the evening of Thursday, October 17.

Callum and his team invite locals and patrons to join them to celebrate their new look from 7pm to 9pm.

Anyone wishing to come can RSVP info@thewhitebearknutsford.co.uk though walk-ins will be welcome.