Brewer extends community pub portfolio in acquisition deal worth £1.5m

Joseph Holt, the 174-year-old Manchester brewer, has acquired a new pub in Alkrington, in a deal worth an overall £1.5m.

The Thornberries is a pub which, according to Richard Kershaw, chief executive of Joseph Holt and great great grandson of its eponymous founder, already has all the hallmarks of a Joseph Holt venue.

He said: “Thornberries is already very much a community pub and is so much more than just a place to have a drink or something to eat. It’s a place for charity events, social groups and other community gatherings – all the things which mark out our pubs as places which are central to the local areas they serve.”

He added: “Admittedly Thornberries looks a little tired which is why we have plans for its redevelopment.

“The potential, however, is enormous. As such we are planning a full refurbishment inside and out, optimising existing unused space as well as creating a stunning beer garden. But at the centre of this will be a pub which serves award winning ales, delicious food and which is a key part of the community.”

Thornberries has been a popular fixture in the Middleton area for many years and, thanks to a seamless sale, has remained open after the takeover by Joseph Holt.

The purchase and subsequent refurbishment of Thornberries will cost close to £1.5m. It’s envisaged that the pub will relaunch around February of next year following refurbishment in January to mark the brewery’s 175th anniversary.

Joseph Holt owns 127 pubs across the North West. However Richard Kershaw said the company is constantly looking for places where there is a ‘gap’ in the geography of its estate.

“Although we already own pubs in Blackley and Middleton, we didn`t have one in Alkrington. Joseph Holt is a family business and as such as are so aware of our history and of the role we play in the communities where we operate, which is why location is so important to us.”