Hydes pub estate to receive multimillion-pound upgrade in 2024
Hydes Brewery, the Salford-based brewer and pubs operator, will pump a multimillion-pound investment into its pub estate this year, it has said.
The family-owned independent business, which marked its 160th anniversary last year, will begin the investment programme with a refurbishment of its pub and boutique hotel, The Abel Heywood, in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
Acquired by Hydes in 2015, The Abel Heywood will close on February 25, for a full interior refurbishment, new external signage, lighting and a revitalisation of the bar areas.
Hydes is committing a £200,000 investment to the project and will re-open the characterful pub to customers on March 9. The on-site boutique hotel, which is popular with visitors to Manchester, has a 99% occupancy rate and will remain open throughout the renovations.
The investment forms part of a wider multimillion-pound programme planned for other key sites in Hydes’ portfolio including significant investments at The Boat House at Parkgate on the Wirral, The Nursery Inn at Heaton Norris, Stockport and The Mount Inn at Chester.
The investment total will run into seven figures for the year including smaller-scale refurbishments at a number of additional Hydes pubs.
Last year Hydes committed more than £4m worth of investment in its estate. The Jolly Thresher in Lymm and The John Millington in Cheadle Hulme both underwent extensive refurbishments. Further investments were made at various other sites including The Sam Brooks in Sale, The Golden Lion in Rossett and Alfreds in Macclesfield.
In October 2022, Hydes completed its first freehold acquisition since 2015, purchasing the former police station in Heswall. Named after the architect of the original building, The Harry Beswick, cost more than £3.6m and opened its doors as Hydes’ newest premium pub and dining venue in November 2023.
Hydes managing director, Adam Mayers, said: “The Abel Heywood is a key venue and kicks off a series of investments that will see us continuing to commit to the ongoing refurbishments of all pubs in our estate. This follows significant investment programmes for the previous two years, resulting in the revitalisation of multiple sites.”
He added: “The Abel Heywood, with its adjoined 15-room boutique hotel, is a firm favourite in the city’s Northern Quarter and this investment will enable it to build on the success and reputation it has established since we first acquired it nearly a decade ago.
“Starting with The Abel Heywood, our ongoing investment in the estate not only highlights the commitment to delivering exceptional customer experience, products and services, but also underpins the integral role in the communities it serves.
“Investment in our pubs and our people is top priority at Hydes and this will continue throughout the coming year, strengthening our offering and enhancing the overall experience for all our customers and guests.”
Hydes operates nearly 50 pubs ranging from Lancaster in the North to Stoke-on Trent in the Midlands and across to North Wales, including a wide selection of premium dining destination outlets and traditional community pubs.
