Carnforth pub given £200k lease of life

The Canal Turn, a former canal warden’s property, was turned into a pub in 2001 and new owner Marcus is keen to firmly establish the Canal Turn as the focal point of the local community.

Following the joint investment, the pub has been completely refreshed but still retains its original feel. The six-week refurbishment has updated the pub’s interior with new flooring, toilets, seating, fixtures and fittings, alongside a completely new conservatory-style extension, complete with a reclaimed tiled roof, and floor to ceiling doors providing lovely views of the picket-fenced terrace, water and canal side.

Marcus took on the pub last year and hopes, with a new look, the place will be popular with the local community, as well as passing tourist trade, dog-walkers and wider towns and villages in the north west. “There are very few pubs with such a unique, waterside aspect. It’s truly a view worth travelling for,” he explains.

Marcus has a background in catering, and first learnt his trade working alongside well-known chef and restaurateur Marco Pierre White.

He added: “Our aim is to celebrate the best British pub culture has to offer, be it food or drink. From our cask ales, hand-pull cider, whisky and gin to carefully sourced produce drawing on the best Lancashire and Cumbria has to offer, we hope we’ve curated a broad range that offers something for everyone. Even our butter and free-range eggs are local!

“We think of it as affordable quality that offers the wider benefit of supporting the local community.”

“The Canal Turn is in a really beautiful location, so it has been an honour, education and pleasure to be included in the project bringing new life to the venue. We were keen to update the interior and surroundings, all the while respecting the building’s heritage and character, both as an integral part of the canal and Carnforth itself. I’m grateful for the support and training from Punch in helping me to do this and I’m looking forward to making The Canal Turn a successful and inviting place for all to enjoy.”

Commenting on behalf of Punch, new business development manager Jim Owthwaite said: “The refurbishment has really transformed the Canal Turn and it looks great. I’m sure that Marcus has not only the experience and expertise to develop a successful business but also the enthusiasm to establish the pub as the focal point of the local community. We look forward to providing on-going support to help him achieve this.”