I opened Salthouse NW seven years ago. It has been a success in tandem with Bombay Quay. It’s a great place to have a drink before or after your Indian meal. We have a large and loyal group of regulars who enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the ever-changing wide range of drinks. The current Sunday sessions, which allow local bands to showcase their talents, have proven to be one of the busiest days of the week.
Opened the Bullring NW four years ago. It offers a completely different vibe, with a speakeasy design, heavily influenced by spirits, cocktails, wines, and draught beers. The background music is a little louder, attracting a younger clientele. There’s an outdoor area at the front, which, in the warmer months, is a great place to have a drink and watch the world go by. The big driver of the business at the moment is private hire of the entire venue, comfortably accommodating 50–60 people.
Joe Wardle took over the full running of both sites when we opened the Bullring NW and has played a major role in the success of both bars. The loyal team he has built over the years has enjoyed being part of the family and success. He is occasionally joined by his sister, Bethan Jane, who works the odd shift at both bars.
What does your role on the BID Board involve?
I work closely with Nikki, the BID manager, and Abda the Vice Chair. Nikki is our eyes and ears, gathering feedback from all businesses so we can prioritize actions for the quarterly board meetings. Over the last three months we have put together a new BID Board, consisting of key people from all areas of Northwich’s business sector, including the town council and CWAC. Hopefully, this new team will collectively push new ideas and address any points or concerns raised at future meetings, all with the goal of remaining positive and improving all areas of Northwich!
We have also set up new task and finish groups in the following areas:
- Marketing & PR
- Events and festivals
- Safety and security
- Business support & investment
This allows a wider range of business owners to feel part of decision-making for the future of Northwich town centre and beyond.
What’s your favourite thing about Northwich?
Since taking over as Chair of the BID, its been great meeting fellow business owners and seeing their passion for Northwich as a successful hub for business and leisure. I also believe that the wider attractions must play a part in helping us improve the town centre footfall. This includes Anderton Boat Lift, Marbury Park, Saltworks, The Plaza, local golf courses and the numerous local sports teams. These have all been integral to Northwich’s history, and we should all be proud.
What would you like to see happen in Northwich over the next five years?
- The successful regeneration of Weaver Square and surrounding areas, including more green spaces and affordable housing for all age groups.
- Barons Quay becoming a hub for quality retailers.
- Improve Support for local independent businesses.
- Improvements to local transport links to the town centre from surrounding villages, including Manchester, Chester, and Liverpool.
- Defined areas of the town centre with directional signage.
- Continued improvements to key events throughout the year.