The former Elephant pub in Shavington is being transformed into a new bar and restaurant by two Lukes!
Friends Luke Dunlea and Luke Burns are to open SOLT this spring, offering new “small plates”.
They say SOLT will transform the well-known building on Newcastle Road into a relaxed, drinks-led space centred around sharing plates, thoughtful design and welcoming hospitality.
The venue aims to offer something new while remaining rooted in the local community.
They said: “We wanted to create the kind of place people come for one drink and end up staying all evening.”
A major redesign of the old pub is taking place, from lighting and artwork to glassware and music.
Star Pubs & Bars, owners of The Elephant building and part of Heineken, have backed the concept with a major investment.
Co-founder Luke Dunlea said: “This isn’t just a refurb – it’s a completely new chapter for the building.
“The Elephant is somewhere people know and care about, and we wanted to create a place that respects that history while offering something fresh.
“SOLT is about great food, great cocktails and an atmosphere that feels easy from the moment you walk in.”
The two founders first met in 2016, when Luke Dunlea was working alongside Luke Burns’ older sister at a local Nantwich restaurant.
Their connection grew through a shared passion for hospitality and a dream to open a venue of their own.
They created SOLT with the vision of a venue that naturally evolves throughout the week.
They say midweek evenings will offer a more relaxed and intimate setting, ideal for drinks or shared plates, while weekends will bring a livelier energy and a more social atmosphere.
Co-founder Luke Burns added: “We’ve spent years working in hospitality and visiting places we love around the country.
“SOLT brings those experiences together in a way that feels right for Nantwich and Shavington – somewhere that customers can feel relaxed and truly looked after.”
The duo are currently developing menus, drinks and building their opening team, with further details on interiors, food and launch events set to be announced in the coming months.
SOLT is scheduled to open in late spring 2026.
For more information, visit https://soltshavington.co.uk/ and follow SOLT’s journey on Instagram @solt.shavington
Wow, small portions, what a selling point. Can I suggest instead of SOLT, which nobody knows what it means, try SILLY
On the assumption that SOLT, being capitalised, is an initialism, what on Earth does it stand for?
The only one that makes any sense is the Society of London Theatres, but I can’t see any connection.
Does anyone know?