Owners issue update on future of historic Cheshire pub left in 'sorry state'
It closed in 2023
(Image: MEN)
The future of a renowned Cheshire countryside pub that has lain empty since a "temporary" closure in 2023 has been confirmed by its owners. The Frozen Mop, in Mobberley, has long been a destination pub in the region - set in a 19th century barn building on a rural lane near Knutsford.
It was closed in what was said to to be a temporary move back in October 2023, with its operators at the time blaming "£10k a month" gas and electric bills. The Cheshire Pub Co had previously been tenant at the pub, saying at the time they hoped to incorporate accommodation to make better use of the sprawling buildings, aiming to reopen by the following summer.
But that didn't go to plan - with Cheshire Pub Co leaving the site in March 2024, saying that owners Mitchells and Butlers did not share their vision to convert upper rooms into bedrooms at the pub. The boozer has remained empty ever since and has fallen deeper into disrepair, reports the MEN.
In August last year, former regulars were left shocked when urban explorer 'Exploring with Jake' shared images and videos from inside the historic pub, showing the 'sorry state' it was now in. Among those commenting on the Facebook post were regulars who said seeing the pictures felt "like a part of me has just died."
The Frozen Mop has been empty since October 2023(Image: MEN)
Many recalled fond memories of the Charlie Chalk playbarn at the back of the pub in years gone by, as well as the "excellent" Sunday lunches and gastropub menus. Catherine Louise-Bull said: "I have such wonderful memories of coming here with my family growing up, it breaks my heart to see it in this state." Dotty Jones added: "Used to be a lovely pub sad to see it in a bad state."
While Carole Redgrave said: "Been visiting this pub for at least 50 years and have witnessed the many changes it has been through. It's not that long ago it was a busy, bustling gastro pub with a really varied menu. "As good for a quick lunch as for an evening meal. Myself and many others are gutted it had to close. Can't believe the amount of vandalism that's occurred in such a short time! Us locals are really hoping it can open up again in the not too distant future."
The Frozen Mop in Mobberley(Image: Cheshire Pub Co)
After the outcry around the urban explorer post, Mitchells and Butlers vowed to step up security at the site while talks were ongoing with a new tenant set to take on the lease to reopen the pub. But the pub company has now confirmed to the MEN that it is looking to SELL the pub as a freehold, with the building due to be marketed soon.
A spokesperson for Mitchells and Butlers, said: "We were very close to agreeing a new lease on this historic venue, which dates back to 1880 but, sadly, those talks faltered. We have explored numerous opportunities to try and find suitable tenants for the Frozen Mop but, the decision has now been taken to market the property for sale. Anyone interested should contact the Mitchells and Butlers Property for further details."
The pub sits on Faulkners Lane in Mobberley, which is close to the historic market town of Knutsford in Cheshire. Its unusual name is explained by differing stories according to local folklore. One story suggests it was named after a cleaner who used her mop to signal when it was safe for her lover to join her, while another says that rugby players would pass a frozen mop to each other during the winter.