Joseph Holt has finished the year with a flurry of redevelopments across its estate – bucking bleak news of pub closures across the hospitality industry.
The Manchester-based business, which this year celebrates its 175th anniversary, runs 127 pubs across the North West.
And in an ongoing programme of redevelopment, a number of popular pubs have recently enjoyed a face lift
What`s more, with many younger customers preferring venues with a traditional, home-from-home feel , some renovations have reflected this trend for retro decor
For example the Park Inn in Swinton has just undergone a £120 000 worth makeover involving retro fabrics, embossed wallpaper, heavy furniture and thick carpets to reflect the historic appearance of local pubs.
Landlord Terry Joy explained : “What we often hear from the young people who drink in our pub is that they appreciate the homeliness and cosiness of a place that feels like what they call `a proper pub` – that is traditional, timeless and full of character.
“Of course, there`s always a place for modern design but ironically amongst younger people – perhaps given so much uncertainty in the world and increased loneliness – they want to be somewhere that feels much more homely. And the Park Inn has achieved this through a deliberately retro approach to the refurbishment – which only enhances the warm welcome we offer.”
This year the Joseph Holt brewery celebrates its 175th anniversary – and the company continues to both expand its estate and carry out more refurbishments.
Other recent renovations include a £250 000 full refurbishment at the Lord Nelson in Pendlebury– with alterations to create a new bar area. It also now has a beer garden for the first time.
The Welcome Inn in Prestwich has also been fully redecorated and updated. The £300000 programme of work includes alterations to the main function suite to incorporate a bar area.
Customers` needs remain at the heart of all changes. Perhaps most visibly reflected in Alkrington pub The Roebuck which has undergone a transformative £1 million makeover to include a wraparound bar, stunning beer garden and a spacious private function room
Previously known as Thornberries, the Alkrington pub reverted to its original name of The Roebuck after Joseph Holt invited customers to decide what it should be called following their takeover last October. And the overwhelming response was for the pub to return to its original name.
The Joseph Holt brewery was founded in Manchester in 1849 by weaver`s son, Joseph Holt and has remained in the same family for six generations. Yet despite the flurry of recent makeovers a full programme of development and refurbishments are planned for 2025.
Denis Maddocks, estates executive at Joseph Holt added: “Despite our long standing history as one of the North West`s favourite beer-makers we are a dynamic business and so constantly look at ways to refresh our pubs – as well as new opportunities to expand our estate.
“We very much think about the communities where we`re located and adapt the work accordingly. 2024 has been an exciting year for Joseph Holt and we`re sure 2025 will herald even more developments.”
