Owners of an historic pub near Sandbach say their new children's play area, 'Fort Smallwood' has received a warm welcome.

Pear Hospitality, owners of the Wheatsheaf in Sandbach, The Lion and Swan (Congleton) and Pecks Restaurant in Brownlow Heath, took over the idyllic Blue Bell Inn at Smallwood earlier this year. 

And this weekend, they opened 'Fort Smallwood' a new children's play area and a revamped garden area at the Spen Green pub. 

Jake Pear, managing director of Pear Hospitality and Retail Holdings, said warm weather had helped to provide a 'terrific' launch.

The packed play area at the weekend. (Photo: Nub News)

"The response from the customers was all positive and it was great to see so many little ones thoroughly enjoying themselves, it looked like the adults were too," said Jake.

"The garden was in full use throughout and we are looking forward to a British Summer of fun, fabulous food and refreshing beer."

We told here how Pear Hospitality revealed plans for the new play area.

Pear Hospitality bought the historic Blue Bell Inn in Smallwood in March, as we revealed in our story here and say they plan to protect the "unique character" and "alluring charm" of the 16th century pub.