history of the site and renovations

Where does the name JJ Crossfield’s come from?

The Crossfield family of Arnside can be traced back to the mid-1600s. Originally from Poulton-le-Sands, now better known as Morecambe, generations of the Crossfields moved between Lancaster and Liverpool, acquiring skills and trades as they went.

Eventually the Crossfield family moved to Arnside, and established the village’s Boat Yard. They quickly became famous for their Nobby boats, Morecambe bay Prawners, and sail boats that featured in famous literary works like Swallows and Amazons.

Our story at JJ Crossfield’s really begins when James Crossfield developed the successful family grocers store, which he named Crossfield’s and Sons of Arnside. James’ store sold general goods, as well as Italian produce he had imported.

Today, in the same site, we’re proud that our business is able to pay homage to James Crossfield’s entrepreneurship, and continue an important legacy that defines Arnside’s history.

Our Bar

Even our bar itself has a long pub history. Dating from 1960, the original brass furniture, quadrants and linkages along with the mahogany plinths and casement were first fitted in a bar called the Holyrood in Edinburgh until it closed in the 1980s. It was then fitted in the Belhaven Brewery visitor centre as a working museum piece. After the Greene King Brewery takeover it was due to be scrapped and it was saved by Beerengines.co with the hopes that it would find a new home. Now, it sits proudly in JJ Crossfield’s, with a pretty new view over the sandy beach of Arnside.

Our renovation journey

Our priority was to preserve the rich history of this site, and we reinstated original features including an incredible stone wall we unearthed half way through the redesign process.

We also revitalised the original frontage of the building, using the same font as James Crossfield’s original sign.

We worked with a local designer and furniture maker to create a calming atmosphere that blended rustic and modern elements. We wanted the colours inside to reflect what you’d see around the local area of Arnside. All our furniture has been hand-made in the North – almost all of it in Lancashire except the foam in the seats, we got that from Yorkshire.

Lake District
Cushions
Pizza and wine
Dog
Lavender
Barista

Opening Times

Thursday – Saturday, 10am until 11pm

Sunday – Wednesday, 10am until 10pm

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