The Mort Arms in Tyldesley has undergone a £350,000 refurbishment, with owners Joseph Holt Brewery choosing to preserve the pub’s traditional character rather than give it a contemporary makeover.
The Manchester-based family brewery says the work has retained original features including wood panelling, timber flooring, etched glass and tiled Art Deco fireplaces. The walls and reupholstered furniture have also been chosen to complement the pub’s established look and feel.
One of the main changes has been the removal of the wall between the main oak bar and lounge. It has been replaced with a central island, creating a more open layout intended to make the pub feel more inclusive and welcoming.
A traditional look, with updated facilities
Joseph Holt says the refurbishment reflects its approach to investing in its estate: improving facilities and standards while keeping the character that makes each pub distinctive.
Marc Broady, Acquisition and Development Executive at Joseph Holt, said the brewery remained committed to preserving the traditional charm of a British pub while embracing improvements and modern comforts.
“We continually invest in our pubs to ensure they offer the very best facilities and standards for our customers. However, while we embrace improvements and modern comforts, we remain firmly committed to preserving the traditional character and charm of a great British pub.”
He said features such as real fires, historic pictures, timber panelling and carefully chosen bric-a-brac helped create warmth and familiarity. The bars also include hand rails and foot rails, a traditional detail for customers who like to lean at the bar.
Community groups help keep the pub connected
The Mort Arms hosts a monthly Poems and Pints gathering, giving local creatives an opportunity to share their original work with an audience.
Joseph Holt says the social role of pubs is an important part of its investment decisions, particularly at a time when loneliness and social disconnection are concerns for many communities.
The brewery’s press release cites British Beer and Pub Association research which found that a cosy, traditional atmosphere was the defining feature of an ideal pub for 33% of respondents, compared with 6% who favoured a modern, stylish setting. It also refers to a separate survey in which 67% of people viewed pubs as a way of tackling social isolation. These figures are attributed to the research cited by Joseph Holt.
Six generations of brewing history
Joseph Holt was established in 1849 by Joseph Holt, the son of a weaver, and remains a family brewery six generations later. The company says it owns 127 pubs across the North West.
The Mort Arms refurbishment is presented by the brewery as part of its continuing investment in those venues and in their role as places where local people can meet.
Inside the refurbished Mort Arms
Exterior photograph: Supplied by Joseph Holt Brewery.
Source: Joseph Holt Brewery press release.
Find and explore this pub: The Mort Arms, Tyldesley — The Best Pub Guide.
