Pubs are the beating heart of the community and that certainly rings true for one of Sandbach's newest new-look pubs.

The historic Swan & Chequers, where Prime Minister Winston Churchill reputedly once gave a speech, underwent a major refurbishment by owners Robinson's Brewery as we revealed here

A massive hit with locals and visitors alike since it opened in August, the Hightown pub is now busy with customers throughout the day, popping in for drinks, coffee or a bite to eat.

And that is music to the ears of licensees Matt and Jaki Hurst, who know they have hit the spot with their offering and got the recipe for success right.

Their aim was to create a venue suitable for all ages, a place where everyone from families and couples to groups of friends and others could meet to socialise, drink and eat.

"We have a young child ourselves so we know what family life is like and how hectic it can be," said Jaki.

The historic Swan & Chequers in Hightown has undergone a massive revamp. (Photo: Nub News)

"It's lovely to see people of all ages coming in at different times of the day and for the pub to be a place where they feel comfortable to be. It's a focal point of the town and we love being here."

Jaki loves the location of the pub, and its close proximity to Sandbach Park where she can take their young son, Harrison, and the family dog, Turbo to play and walk.

The couple are very hands-on at the pub and Matt can often be found cooking up the delicious food. (Photo: Nub News)

"Both Matt and Jaki are musicians; Matt is a trumpeter and Jaki a saxophonist, who met playing at a music gig," said Jaki.

"We both love music and it's something we want to develop here as well.

"We have plans for jazz on Sunday afternoons. We love music and craft beers – it's our passion."

For the time being though, Matt and Jaki want to continue hitting the right notes with their menu offering, which is already proving a big hit.

Toasting to the pub's success, Matt Hurst behind the bar. (Photo: Nub News)

The varied menu features an array of food from homemade sourdough pizzas, kebabs, smashed burgers, soft-shell crab burgers to 'small' plate offerings.

Despite just opening a few months ago, the venue is almost fully booked for its three-course Christmas Day menu.

Like everything else at the Swan and Chequers, the Christmas Day menu has real panache.

It features white onion soup, truffle oil and focaccia, maple spiced roasted fig, fruity nut roast and eggnog crème brulee to name a few.

Columns have been added to the main bar area stylised with cast iron Corinthians capitals and floating poser tables. (Photo: Robinsons)

But it's not just the food which is a cut-above the rest – the soon-to-be introduced cocktail menu is too.

"It features shrubs and sherbets which make ourselves," says Jaki. "They can either be added to make a refreshing cordial soda or used in our cocktails. 

"They are pretty special and a bit different from what you'd normally get."

The Hurst family love the historic pub and living in Sandbach. (Photo: Sandbach Nub News)

Sandbach Nub News is proud to announce that the Swan and Chequers is the latest sponsor of our news service.

The Swan and Chequers will help us deliver the high-quality journalism that Sandbach deserves - no clickbait or intrusive ads, just the latest updates on what's happening in our town.

It is thanks to the generosity of organisations like the Swan and Chequers that we can continue our mission to revive local news, both in Sandbach and across the UK.

If you haven't tried the new Swan and Chequers, make sure you add it to your list for that extra sparkle!

Further details, look at their Facebook page here