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A Chester-based pub group has acquired a chain of 10 pubs as part of plans to expand its estate across the UK, which includes The Lottie Dodd pub in Moreton. The pub is named after Bebington-born tennis player and multi-sport athlete Lottie Dod, who won Wimbledon five times.
As reported by The Chester Standard, Admiral Taverns, which operates more than 1,300 community pubs across the country, has acquired Mountain Pub Company, a group of operator-managed, wet-led pubs across the north of England.
The pubs will be part of Admiral's Proper Pubs division, which is currently at 245 locations across the UK.
Chris Jowsey, chief executive of Admiral Taverns, said the company was "delighted" to welcome Mountain Pub Company to the group.
He said: "We have long admired the Mountain Pubs business and share the same unwavering passion for supporting community pubs across the country.
"The Mountain Pub portfolio will sit as part of our Proper Pubs business, strengthening our footprint of affordable community pubs across the UK, offering everything from a great range of beers, welcoming atmosphere, sport and entertainment, the critical DNA that makes for a great local pub experience."
The acquisition is part of Admiral Taverns' expansion strategy to strengthen its visibility as a community pub operator across the UK.
Mountain Pub Company was founded by Helen Standing and launched with The Southport Coaster in November 2022.
The business has since grown to 10 pubs.
Here are the 10 pubs which will now come under Admiral Taverns' acquisition:
Wirral
The Lottie Dod, Hoylake Road, Moreton
The Cyclist, New Chester Road, New Ferry
Southport
The Southport Coaster, Lord Street, Southport
Shipley
The Pride Of Shipley, Market Square, Shipley
Barnsley
The Kestrel, Market Street, Barnsley
Blackpool
Frenchman's Cove, King Street, Blackpool
Todmorden
The White Hart, Station Approach, Todmorden
Bingley
The Engine Room, Market Street, Bingley
Leek
The Bird In Hand, Market Place, Leek
Kendal
The Principal, Market Place, Kendal
Ms Standing said the company was founded with the aim of creating "high-quality, well-invested community pubs".
She said its operating partner model combined local entrepreneurship with central support and allowed each pub to develop its own identity and offerings.
She said: "It has been a pleasure to work alongside Downing throughout Mountain’s growth journey.
"Their support and background of investment in the sector has been instrumental in helping us build a strong and successful pub business.
"We are pleased that Admiral Taverns' experienced operator managed team will continue to invest in and grow Mountain."
