Ramsbottom pub set for huge makeover as historic building prepares to reopen

THE NEW TEAM HAVE REVEALED MORE DETAILS ON WHAT CUSTOMERS CAN EXPECT WHEN IT REOPENS THIS SUMMER 15:41, 30 May 2025 It's been a couple of years since Hearth of the Ram went up for sale,

but now a new team are looking to bring something entirely new to the historic building - and the town too. The popular restaurant and bar was reopened in May 2012 by Euan and Dena after

they refurbished the 200-year-old building. The characterful pub served classics alongside modern dishes. Though it was favourite with locals, the building went up for sale in early 2023.

The venue on Peel Brow in the market town was marketed by Christie & Co. and had a leasehold price tag of £125,000 and a freehold value of £1.5m. It reopened last year as White Rabbit, a

'cosy bar-restaurant with a log fire, a beer garden and smartly presented, British-inspired cuisine'. However the venue has now been taken over by a new team and is preparing to

re-open as an entirely new concept - El Carnero. Article continues below The premises, which can house nearly 200 guests and features a ‘dining conservatory’, plus bars on the ground and a

terrace, is currently undergoing a major makeover in time for summer. Matt Oliver and his family are at the helm of the new restaurant which will offer 'Mediterranean social

dining' with small plates, tapas and a range of beers, wines and cocktails. Matt, who is originally from Rochdale but also lived in Bolton before settling in Ramsbottom told the

_Manchester Evening News _that it has been his 'dream' to open a hospitality venue in the town. He has run his own takeaways and pizzeria, and runs Loft 24, a restaurant and

cocktail bar in Westhoughton, Bolton. He'll head up the new venue alongside his mum who is a chef, as well as his dad, sister, and family friends. "I always wanted to open in

Ramsbottom, I moved here three and a half years ago and I love it, it's so different to other places I've lived and everyone is really lovely," he said. The name of the new

venture means 'ram' in Spanish and Matt and the team wanted a name that nodded to the town. "I wanted to bring something completely new to the town, so we're going for

tapas style dishes. "We're still undecided on the exact beers we’re choosing but want to work with Stuart Rothwell who owns The Vineyard, and hopefully he’ll be supplying a lot of

our wines. "It's a massive makeover, with lots of changes, new colours, new signage, and we've ripped out the old kitchen. "We’re going to tidy up the car park as well,

making it look more presentable." On choosing the site and location, Matt said he believes locals are keen for the venue to reopen rather than lie empty. Article continues below

"We had to be strategic in choosing that premises, speaking to locals, they’re gutted that it’s not been trading. They seem excited and it's something new for a well-known

venue." The team are looking to open the new venue in July and are currently looking to work with local suppliers for the rest of the fit-out. For those looking for hospitality roles,

they are also openly recruiting.