Hydes plans multi-million pound investment into its pub estate

Manchester-based brewery and pub company Hydes is making a multi-million pound investment into its 50-strong pub estate this year.

The family-owned independent business, located in Salford, will begin the investment with a refurbishment of The Abel Heywood in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

Speaking to the drinks business, Hydes managing director Adam Mayers described how committed the company was to putting money back into improving the pub sector, even amidst challenging times.

Mayers told db: “Investing in pubs is essential for safeguarding the future of the business and despite multiple cost pressures facing the hospitality sector, the need to invest wisely is more important than ever.”

Describing the reasons behind the planned spend, Mayers explained that the investment was about giving people “a first-class experience” and admitted: “The key focus for me is being able to get our estate into a position where we know we can be proud of every single pub that we’ve got.”

Mayers observed that pub experiences are incredibly important and need to be memorable for all of the positive associations that they reinforce.

He told db: “Building loyalty with customers is hugely important and providing a memorable experience in high-quality surroundings is integral to securing this moving forward.”

The Abel Heywood, which was acquired by Hydes in 2015, will close on 25 February for a full interior refurbishment that will cost £200,000 and include new booth seating, modernisation of its existing Victorian-style decor, new external signage, lighting and a revitalisation of the bar areas with Hydes reopening the pub on 9 March.

Other venues in Hydes’ portfolio that will also receive investment include: 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.