04/11/2026
ANNOUNCEMENT
As many of you will have seen, The Black Lion is up for sale. It's not been an easy decision to make as landlord Darren explains.
Darren first took the reins in 2008 before returning in 2019, building a loyal following of customers and helping establish The Black Lion as one of Nantwich's best-known destinations for food, drink and hospitality.
In that time the emphasis has been on supporting other businesses buying from local suppliers such as Hulse bakery Worleston, Longmans farm shop Nantwich, Nantwich Gin and Weetwood Ales near Tarporley while employing local people and raising money for Nantwich charities with a weekly quiz.
Darren said: “After the best part of 14 years at The Black Lion, across my two stints, I feel the time is right to retire and do something different.
“I have had an incredibly rewarding time at the Lion and am very proud of what we have achieved. The pub has had an interesting history over the years, with different landlords and guises, and I hope I have helped put it firmly on the map.
“To be recognised by CAMRA year after year for our b**r, and more recently by The Telegraph as one of Britain’s best pubs, is a fantastic way to be going out on a high.
“Hospitality is undoubtedly facing some challenging pressures, including VAT, but this is not simply a business decision driven by those issues. After so many years, I feel it is the right time personally to move on.
“I will be sorry to hand over the reins. The Black Lion means a great deal to me, and I would love to see it pass into the hands of a private operator who understands its history and importance to Nantwich, rather than a large chain.
“I am hugely grateful to our customers, regulars and everyone who has supported us over the years.
“They have been a big part of making the Lion what it is today.”
In the meantime it's business as usual at Nantwich’s oldest pub. As ever we look forward to welcoming you ❤️
