Morecambe's chowder man joins forces with town centre pub as plans revealed to reopen as craft ale bar

A seafood specialist has joined forces with a family of publicans on plans to reopen one of Morecambe's best-loved pubs as a craft beer bar.

Morecambe Bay Chowder Co will be based at The Bath on Northumberland Street when it reopens as The Bath Tap after a major redevelopment.

The pub has been closed for a £200,000 refurbishment for several months but is due to reopen as a pub, with rooms on the upper floors, and with Morecambe Bay Chowder Co cooking food from its kitchen.

The Bath is co-owned by the Robinson family who also have the Royal and The Wobbly Cobbler pubs in Lancaster.

Morecambe Bay Chowder Co specialises in chowder, a creamy fishy soup, usually sold from a travelling stall which has a huge following across the Lancaster and Morecambe area.

"Delighted to announce our partnership at The Bath Morecambe with Tom (Robinson) & family," said Pete Stephenson from Morecambe Bay Chowder Co (pictured below), posting on their social media pages.

"Tom and I met after you told me about his fantastic micropub - The Wobbly Cobbler in Lancaster. I dropped off a delivery to try and we’ve enjoyed working together ever since.

"We both share a belief that local business can not only create happy and meaningful jobs, but can strengthen communities and help make us proud of where we live.

"It is so exciting for us that soon all the chowder we serve you on the Promenade, at The Bath Tap or elsewhere will be cooked at this historic building right in the heart of Morecambe.

"The development is now entering into the final stages. We can’t wait for you to see what we are creating for you."

Morecambe Bay Chowder Co is currently recruiting for new staff ahead of the opening.

"The cat is finally out of the bag!" said a post on The Bath Morecambe Facebook page.

"We’re super excited for the future and our partnership with Morecambe Bay Chowder, good times ahead!"

Morecambe Bay Chowder Co was formed in 2021 aiming to "serve coastal comfort food celebrating the produce of Morecambe Bay".

Pete's seafood stall can regularly be found out and about in the local area, including at The Wobbly Cobbler and recently outside The Bath during the Baylight festival in Morecambe.

Meanwhile work is continuing at The Bath ahead of its reopening, see below.

The pub was built in the 1930s and in recent years has been home to regular live bands, mainly playing rock, heavy metal and blues.

Recently The Bath got a new sign!

More details on the reopening of The Bath coming soon.