M&B opens first Orchid conversion

The Sawyer’s Arms in Manchester opened as a Nicholson's pub over the weekend after a significant investment.

M&B is converting 96 of the 173 Orchid pubs into its brands and formats over the next two years. The company is investing £35m in this programme.

The company said the Manchester pub suits the iconic character and charm of Nicholson's pubs and is located in the popular Deansgate area of the city.

The Sawyer’s will “offer guests the opportunity to discover a fantastic traditional pub, serving a selection of handpicked cask ales and classic pub food”.

Alistair Darby, chief executive at M&B, said: “This is a significant milestone in our investment plan for the Orchid pub estate. The Sawyer’s Arms is a great addition to the Nicholson’s collection of classic pubs and is the first of around 90 exciting conversions to our leading brands which we will be undertaking over the next two years.”