Manchester’s iconic family brewer Joseph Holt has finished 2024 with a bang, investing heavily in a string of pub refurbishments and makeovers to celebrate its 175th anniversary.
At a time when many pubs are sadly closing their doors, Joseph Holt is doubling down on its belief that the British pub remains at the heart of local communities.
A Year of Investment
Across the year, Holt completed 16 major refurbishments across its estate, transforming venues with new interiors, beer gardens, kitchens, and function rooms.
The brewery, founded in 1849, runs an estate of 127 pubs across the North West, many of which are community hubs that have been passed down through generations of regulars.
Standout Makeovers
The Park Inn, Swinton
A £120,000 retro makeover has brought this local gem back to life. With embossed wallpaper, heavy wooden furniture, and plush carpets, the design throws back to the charm of a “proper pub.”
Local licensee Terry Joy said: “Young people are coming in and loving the homely, traditional feel – they say this is what a pub should be.”
The Lord Nelson, Pendlebury
A £250,000 refurbishment has given this pub a completely new bar area plus its very first proper beer garden, adding more outdoor space for the community.
The Welcome Inn, Prestwich
After a £300,000 investment, this pub now boasts a stylish new bar and an upgraded function suite, making it a perfect spot for family celebrations and local events.
The Roebuck, Alkrington
The headline project of 2024 – a £1 million transformation. Once known as Thornberries, it has been reimagined with a wraparound bar, private function room, and a landscaped beer garden. Locals even voted to bring back its traditional name, The Roebuck, proving how important community identity is in the pub world.
Other Pubs Given a New Lease of Life
Throughout the year, Holt also refreshed venues including the Silverwell, Edington Arms, Newmarket, Waggon & Horses, Red Lion (Irlam O’th Heights), Horse & Jockey, Lamb Hotel, Sidings (Levenshulme), and Gardener’s Arms (Middleton).
Each project has been tailored to its surroundings – from modern dining-focused designs to traditional lounges full of character – ensuring every pub retains its identity.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Joseph Holt isn’t stopping here. Plans are already in motion for more refurbishments in 2025, as the brewery continues to evolve its pubs while staying true to its heritage.
Denis Maddocks, estates executive, explained:
“We may be a brewery with 175 years of history, but we’re a dynamic business. Every community is different, and our refurbishments are shaped around what local people need from their pub.”
Why It Matters
This wave of investment shows that the pub industry isn’t just about survival – it’s about reinvention, community, and tradition.
For locals, it means better spaces to socialise, dine, and drink. For the wider pub world, it’s a reminder that investing in your local is still one of the best ways to keep pubs alive and thriving.