Joseph Holt acquires two Greater Manchester pubs
The city centre-based firm revealed it had completed the purchase of the Horse & Jockey pub in Chorlton, south Manchester, from fellow North West hospitality business Hoi Polloi Pub Company.
The acquisition follows the recent purchase of the freehold of The Five Ways Hotel pub in Hazel Grove, Stockport, from Spirit Pub Company.
Positively develop
Richard Kershaw, chief executive of Joseph Holt, explained both pubs represented the latest developments of a plan to grow the portfolio across the region.
"We are extremely excited about the addition of the Five Ways to the company and this acquisition is part of our on-going plan to positively develop our estate. We are continuing to look to buy pubs throughout the North West.”
The company currently operates more than 100 pubs mainly in Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
'Ain't broke...'
The 400-year-old Horse & Jockey in Chorlton is currently being run as a food-led pub specialising in real ale - something Rebecca Daniels, marketing manager for Joseph Holt, said would continue under its new owners.
"We are so excited about the addition of the Horse & Jockey to our estate," she said.
"It is a pub that oozes charm and is located in a vibrant and funky area, which is hugely reflected by its clientele. Holts have very much adopted the 'if it aint broke, don’t fix it' approach with this pub.
"The staff will remain the same, along with the beer offering and friendly atmosphere. Preserving the unique and quirky characteristics that this pub has become renowned for is where we are with this acquisition."
Joseph Holt, which was founded as a brewer in 1849, was earlier this month awarded the Heart of the Community award at the inaugural British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) dinner and industry awards.
Judges praised its strong leadership, long-standing community partnerships and company-wide desire to make a positive difference to people's lives.
