Ainscoughs reopen Ring O’Bells

A WELL-known Lancashire pub sold by real estate advisors Colliers after its previous owners were placed into administration has reopened following a major renovation by new owners Ainscoughs Group.

The Ring O’ Bells in Lathom, near Ormskirk, Lancs was one of four pubs sold in the North West after the Waterside Pub Company was placed into administration in April 2011. Waterside Pub Company was a joint venture between Scottish & Newcastle and British Waterways which operated canal and riverside pubs but entered administration after failing to secure further financing.

The pub – which sits on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal – was bought for an undisclosed sum by Bispham Green Brewery, which is part of West Lancs-based Ainscoughs Group.

Ainscoughs Group is run by leisure entrepreneur Martin Ainscough and owns eight hotels, pubs and restaurants including The Racquets Club in Liverpool, the Eagle & Child pub at Bispham Green, The Wizard at Nether Alderley in Cheshire and the Miller Howe restaurant & hotel at Windermerere in the Lake District.

Martin Ainscough, managing director of Ainscoughs Group, said: ”We are delighted to have acquired the Ring O’ Bells and look forward to developing a strong family orientated business at the property which will continue to develop over the coming months.”

Ian Walsh, a surveyor at Colliers’ Manchester office, said: “It’s always pleasing to complete the sale of any pub for continued licensed use, particularly to a good quality operator such as Ainscoughs.”