Knife-wielding robbers stormed one of Kelsall’s most popular pubs, stealing cash and mobile phones before assaulting staff and leaving some tied up in a dramatic raid.
Workers at The Lord Binning Pub & Kitchen on Chester Road were left petrified by the incident which happened as they were locking up just after midnight in the early hours of Monday morning, December 16.
Police say the four offenders, carrying bladed weapons, forced their way into the pub and assaulted one member of staff before demanding cash.
Three others were then forced into the office and tied up as the crooks stole cash and mobile phones before making off in a silver car which they stole from the scene.
One man and two women received minor injuries during the terrifying incident.
But Dave Mooney, who co-owns the pub with Paul Newman said they were not focusing on the raid, and said he wouldn’t allow it to dampen the pub’s Christmas festivities.
“It was all over and done with in four minutes – that was it. Once the police and forensics had been in, we were business as usual the next morning,” he said.
“This kind of thing happens in rural pubs but it’s all done and dusted with now and we’re all raring to go for Christmas.
“We’ve done two years here now and we’re growing year after year, with lots more exciting things coming up.
“We’re certainly not going to let four no-hopers get in the way of that,” he added.
The Lord Binning has built up a hugely popular reputation since Mr Mooney and Mr Newman took over the former Morris Dancer pub in 2011, and counts celebrity chef Marco Pierre- White among its biggest fans.
The owners completely revamped the premises, giving it a classically modern country pub feel, and specialising in offering locally sourced fresh food with premium cask ales and fine wines.
Detective Constable Andy Collinson reassured the community that Cheshire police have stepped up patrols following Monday’s incident.
“This type of incident is rare in this area and as a result, we have stepped up our patrols to provide reassurance,” he said.
“We are currently following a number of lines of enquiry and would urge anyone with information to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 820 of December 16 2013.”
Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.