Parents complain as pub scraps play area - but others say they can now 'go for a quiet drink without screaming kids'

An award-winning pub has transformed its outdoor area but not everyone is happy about the changes.

The Eagle and Child in Ramsbottom, Bury, attracts customers from far and wide and was well known for its impressive edible garden and children's play corner.

Only last year it featured in the Manchester Evening News when it was named among the best beer gardens in England.

Then landlord Glen Duckett explained how customers could order their 'tipple of choice outdoors and sit surrounded by pots and planters of veg, fruit and herbs all used to cook up a delicious storm in the kitchen'.

"There’s also the Messy Play for kids under 10 too, with willow weaving workshops, basic horticulture training and lots of games," he said.

But the new father and son operators Bill and Will Gallie, of Gallie Inns, have now given the outdoor space a makeover and it's received a mixed reaction from customers.

While some have welcomed the new design, which features barrel tables and other garden furniture surrounding a large tipi tent, others have questioned why the play area has been removed, with one describing it as 'like a concrete jungle'.

Responding to a photo of the new beer garden that Will shared in a local Facebook group, one mum said: "Such a shame the kids play area looks like it's been totally removed. For us as a family with two under five it meant at least one drink in peace while the kids played safely. Always ordered food too.

"Definitely alienated a demographic if nothing in place to replace it. Everyone has their opinion based on where they are in life. I'm sure like many parents I spend my weekends in parks. It is nice to have a pub with a dedicated space for kids, don't see why people think that means parents shouldn't