Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Tockholes, The Rock Inn has emerged as a beacon of warmth and hospitality, having recently transitioned under new management. This quaint pub, which overlooks stunning views that stretch all the way to Blackpool on clear days, has garnered high praise on platforms like TripAdvisor, quickly becoming a local favorite. At the helm of this charming establishment are Matthew Kavanagh and his fiancée, Joanne Ashton, whose journey into pub management has been both unexpected and enriching.
Matthew Kavanagh introduces himself with warmth and enthusiasm, drawing patrons into his story of how he and Joanne came to run The Rock Inn. Initially hailing from Ashton-under-Lyne, the couple found themselves exploring a new chapter in their lives when they decided to take on the pub. “My brother has lived in Tockholes for a while, and every time we visited him, this pub would become our local haunt,” he recounts, a sparkle of fondness in his eyes as he reminisces about the dog-eared evenings spent there. “It’s strange to think that we never dreamed we would actually be running the place,” he chuckles, reflecting on how life can often lead us down unexpected paths.
Matthew admits to feeling a sense of stepping into uncharted territory, especially since he never envisioned himself managing a pub. “No, we’re really out of our comfort zone,” he confesses candidly. At 42, he acknowledges his lack of experience in running a pub, yet he speaks proudly of the talented team they have on hand. “We’ve got a great chef, and we’re beginning to find our feet,” he adds, embodying optimism that surely resonates with the locals who visit.
One of the many enchanting features of The Rock Inn is its unparalleled view, which Matthew extols as the best in the region. “You can see Blackpool from here on a clear day,” he says, gesturing toward the horizon. This breathtaking scenery draws not only patrons looking for a drink or a meal, but also visitors who come to simply bask in the serene moment these views provide. “Some people come and use our car park just to take in the view,” he explains with pride. It is a testament to the natural beauty that surrounds the pub, a feature that adds immense value to their offerings.
While the atmosphere and the vistas are irreplaceable, cuisine is undoubtedly at the heart of any great pub experience, and The Rock Inn is no exception. Matthew shares his enthusiasm for the pub’s recent menu changes, which have been tailored to reflect a traditional English dining experience. “We’ve introduced a more traditional English pub menu, which locals seem to want, and that has gone down really well,” he states. The nod to traditional fare has been both strategic and heartfelt, reflecting Matthew and Joanne’s desire to create a genuine connection with the Tockholes community.
When discussing popular dishes, Matthew pauses thoughtfully, as if savoring the flavors before delivering his response. “It’s a tough one,” he begins, his pride for the menu evident. “Our fish and chip Fridays make the pub absolutely packed,” he shares, an undeniable indication of their success. Yet he goes on to mention another beloved dish that has also secured its place in patrons’ hearts: the rag pudding. “It’s not cheap and cheerful, but it’s quality, homemade food,” Matthew emphasizes, ensuring guests understand that this is not just any pub fare—they source their fish fresh from Fleetwood. The focus on quality ingredients and homemade cooking is apparent; every dish is a reflection of their commitment to serving up something special.
In addition to these highlights, Matthew boasts about a noteworthy specialty, the cheese and onion pie, claiming it to be unparalleled in the area. “No other pub around here can beat it, really,” he asserts with a grin that leaves little room for doubt. The dishes served at The Rock Inn embody a good old-fashioned pub spirit, where each bite is filled with comfort, warmth, and lovingly prepared goodness.
As one may expect at an English pub, a well-chosen selection of draught beers is essential to complement the food menu. Matthew is keen to share the impressive line-up available at The Rock Inn. Patrons can enjoy refreshing pints of Paradise IPA, Birra Moretti, and Madri alongside classic options like Carlsberg Export, Carling, and Guinness. Furthermore, the cider lovers are well-catered to, with offerings including Old Mout berries and cherries cider, Inch’s cider, and Strongbow. Rounding off their selection is Original Thwaites’ Bitter and Thwaites Wainwright Gold—each choice crafted to enhance the experience, making every visit something to look forward to.
The charm of The Rock Inn extends far beyond its culinary offerings and breathtaking views; it is deeply imbued with the essence of Tockholes itself. “It’s a lovely little quaint village of less than 500 people,” Matthew reflects, describing the close-knit atmosphere that envelops him and Joanne since they took over. Their arrival has been met with overwhelming kindness from the locals. “Everyone has made us feel welcome,” he emphasizes, wearing a smile that captures the spirit of community support.
The solidarity that the couple has felt is palpable; they have already formed relationships with the regulars and have received invaluable assistance from the parish council when challenges have arisen. “They’ve been amazing,” Matthew says appreciatively. “Any issues we’ve had, they have helped us sort them out.” This communal backing serves as a flourishing support network, allowing the pub to thrive while reinforcing the interconnected nature of village life.
Engaging with the locals has been one of the highlights of Matthew’s new role. “I’d say getting to meet new people, that’s been great!” he declares. Every interaction provides an opportunity to hear stories, share laughter, and foster friendships that transcend the walls of the pub. The Rock Inn has become a gathering place not just for food and drink, but also for connection—a sentiment that resonates deeply in rural communities like Tockholes.
In sharing his journey, Matthew finds joy in the everyday experiences that running a pub brings. From hosting events to simply having a heartfelt conversation with patrons, each moment contributes to the larger narrative of his life and the establishment he now oversees. Whether it’s responding to customer feedback with enthusiasm or running the kitchen alongside a talented chef, he is wholly committed to making The Rock Inn a cherished local treasure.
As the sun sets over Tockholes, casting warm hues over the village, The Rock Inn emanates an inviting glow. This establishment is not merely a business for Matthew and Joanne; it has become their haven, intertwined with the charm of the village and the warmth of community. With the couple at the forefront, the future looks promising, brimming with possibilities for fostering connections, celebrating the rich culinary heritage, and making countless memories for all who step through its doors.
The Rock Inn stands as a testament to the power of community spirit, the allure of fine dining, and the joy of forging connections with people. And while Matthew and Joanne may have started this journey not knowing they would become pub owners, they are embracing every aspect of their new lives, ensuring that their pub is a place of joy, laughter, and home-cooked goodness. The journey is still unfolding, but one thing is clear: The Rock Inn is more than just a pub; it is a gathering place, a local landmark, and a cherished spot where memories will continue to be made for years to come.