Brewer adds new site to its flourishing pub estate

Independent Manchester family brewery Joseph Holt continues to expand its stable of 126 pubs with the acquisition of the Cat and Lion in Warrington, for an undisclosed sum.

The former 17th century coaching inn, located in the village of Stretton, will be the fourth Joseph Holt pub in the Warrington area, alongside the Cock O’Budworth, the Millhouse and the Stonemill.

Currently closed, the pub will undergo an extensive re-development, re-opening in Spring, at the heart of the community as one of Holts’ signature pubs serving the full range of its ales and lagers alongside a new food menu, featuring a pizza oven.

The acquisition from Greene King comes at a time of rapid growth and landmark purchases for the iconic brewery which is currently celebrating more than 170 years in brewing.

These include the Half Way House in Blackpool and the Shamrock in Ancoats.

Later this year the brewery, in partnership with the Restaurant Group, will open Bridgewater Exchange at Manchester Airport’s new super terminal, featuring what is claimed to be Europe’s first airside microbrewery.

Richard Kershaw, chief executive of Joseph Holt and fifth generation of the family, said the acquisition would be a boost not only for the local community but the region, too.

He added: “I’m absolutely delighted about our acquisition of the Cat and Lion which reflects our continued ambition for the brewery and the North West economy.

“We are excited to bring the Joseph Holt name, brand and award-winning ales and lagers to Stretton to expand our pub offering in this flourishing region of the North West.”

The pub was purchased in an off-market deal for an undisclosed sum.

The Premier Inn, situated on the same site as the Cat and Lion, remains open and operating a normal service throughout the redevelopment of the pub.

Paul Longmire, marketing manager at Joseph Holt, said: “We cannot wait to bring yet another Joseph Holt pub to the customers and residents of Stretton and the wider Warrington community.

“Ideally located just off the M56, we hope our vision for the Cat and Lion will make this a destination community pub for everyone.

“With a development scheme that will transform the pub, we are excited to welcome customers into the new look Cat and Lion when we re-open in mid-Spring.”