A new small plates bar and restaurant, SOLT, is set to open this spring at the former Elephant pub site in Shavington, led by local founders Luke Dunlea and Luke Burns.
With a name that pays tribute to Nantwich’s rich salt-mining heritage, SOLT will transform the well-known building into a relaxed, drinks-led space centred around sharing plates, thoughtful design and welcoming hospitality.
Envisioned as a place for long evenings and easy gatherings, the venue aims to offer something new while remaining rooted in the local community.
Rather than a simple refurbishment, the pair are reimagining the space from the ground up; “We wanted to create the kind of place people come for one drink and end up staying all evening.” said the founders.
Every detail of the redesign has been thoughtfully considered – from lighting and artwork to glassware and music – all designed to create a space where guests can settle in, unwind and stay longer than planned.
At its heart, SOLT aims to bring together high-quality food and drink with a warm, personable approach to hospitality.
Star Pubs & Bars, owners of The Elephant building and part of Heineken, recognised the strength of the concept early on. After a year of close collaboration with the founders to refine and develop the vision, Star are backing them with a major investment in the venue’s transformation.
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 one day open a venue of their own.
Drawing on their combined experience in hospitality operations, branding, and guest experience, they created SOLT with the vision of a venue that naturally evolves throughout the week.
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, adding an exciting new chapter to Nantwich’s evolving food and drink scene.
For more information, visit https://soltshavington.co.uk/
Follow SOLT’s journey on Instagram @solt.shavington
