The famous Britons Protection in Manchester has closed for a week while owner Star Pubs and Bars carries out ‘infrastructure upgrades’, but will it ever be the same again?
Photograph: Gerald England/Creative Commons
That’s the questions regulars and visitors around the world are asking as the grade II listed 200-year-old pub enters a new era.
The pub has been run by licensee Allan Hudd and his business partner Mark West for 12 years. Last year, as leaseholders, they took on Star Pubs and Bars when the latter tried to end their lease and bring it under their managed portfolio.
The duo won that David and Goliath battle, but they finally been forced to hand back the keys to venue, having been hit by big legal fees and having struggled with a quiet Christmas.
In a statement, Star said: “The Briton’s Protection is to shut temporarily on January 8th, re-opening on January 16th. This short closure will allow us to make infrastructure upgrades, such as installing wi-fi cabling and tills, as well as enable us to carry out renovations to the upholstery, flooring, and toilets and redecorate the function and meeting room spaces.
“We’ll also be undertaking sustainability works to improve the energy efficiency of the building. These improvements will be in keeping with the look and feel of the pub and maintain its historic status.”
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