Joseph Holt begins £1.8m renovation on city pub
A pub in Manchester has been given a new name after owners Joseph Holt invited locals to rename the venue before undertaking a seven-figure renovation project at the site.
The Shamrock in Ancoats, which the Manchester-based operator and brewer said is one of the oldest pubs in the city, will reopen as the Spinners Rest.
Its new name was selected through a public vote and pays tribute to the mill workers who once lived and worked in the area.
Dating back to 1808, the pub was taken over by the family-run Joseph Holt brewery in 2019.
Spinners Rest is expected to reopen early next year, following an extensive top-to-bottom refurbishment to preserve the building’s historic charm, as it sits within a designated conservation area.
The project also includes an expansion of the site, which boasts one of the few beer gardens in the neighbourhood.
Joseph Holt CEO Richard Kershaw said: “As a family business with deep roots in Manchester, our pubs are very much at the heart of the communities they serve. That’s why we invited the people who matter most – our customers – to help choose a name that reflects the pub’s new chapter.
“This is an exciting new chapter for the Shamrock. As it’s reborn as the Spinners Rest, we believe it will become a vibrant and welcoming hub for the Ancoats community – just as it always has been, but with a fresh look towards the future.”
Laine opens new ‘multi-layer playhouse’
Laine Pub Company has said it wants to “redefine” what a modern entertainment-led venue can be with the launch of its new venue in Clapham, London.
The Four Thieves has undergone extensive renovation and has been transformed into a multi-layered ‘playhouse’ that combines the building’s historic charm and period features with contemporary design.
Opening on Saturday 1 November, the 500-capacity site offers immersive entertainment including interactive parties, cabaret performances, DJ sets and themed dining experiences.
Upstairs, the Four Thieves features an arcade with a variety of games such as darts, pool, R/C racing and classic arcade favourites.
The venue itself, which joins Laine’s 50-strong portfolio, has also been renovated, with the bar now taking centre stage at the front, a new performance platform for live music and expanded booth seating.
Food will also play a central role, with Balans providing an all-day menu including brunch and sharing plates alongside salads, flatbreads, a signature burger and Sunday roasts.
Laine Group managing director Russ Danks said: “The launch of The Thieves reflects Laine Pub Co’s commitment to redefining what a modern entertainment venue can be.
“Through significant investment in design, programming, and food, we are creating a pub that delivers immersive experiences, unforgettable nights and a new benchmark for hospitality in South London in an undeniably Laine fashion. We can’t wait to ignite the moment for Clapham and beyond.”
Daly’s on the Strand rebrands after makeover
Daly’s on the Strand has reopened as Daly’s Wine Bar & Beer Hall following a complete makeover.
Located opposite the Courts of Justice in London, and just a short walk from Temple Station, the venue offers everything from fine wines to craft beers with two distinct experiences across two floors.
The wine list has been curated by Berkmann Wine Cellar and features an array of vintage wines as well as more accessible serves and sparkling options, available by the glass, bottle and magnum.
Meanwhile head chef Tahreem Hossain’s menu offers sharer style snacks such as prawn and duck fat rillettes, Cobble Lane charcuterie boards and artisanal British cheese boards plus prime cut Oxfordshire steaks and elevated pub classics.
Downstairs, the Beer Hall showcases a range of brews with 16 options on draught, from hoppy IPAs to crisp lagers.
The Beer Hall’s food offer includes giant pretzels, sausage swirls with honey and mustard, loaded short rib nachos, pulled lamb croquettes, cheddar rarebit and chorizo with guindilla chilli.
Meanwhile, competitive socialising, including darts, plus live sports coverage from Sky and TNT Sports, provide the hall with a lively buzz.
Daly’s Wine Bar & Beer Hall general manager Bartek Koltunski said: “Daly’s has always been a special place, and we are incredibly excited to share its new identity with the public.
“The refurbishment allows us to celebrate both the tradition of a classic wine bar and the modern demand for a dynamic beer hall. We’ve created a space where you can enjoy a glass of Champagne one day and catch a sports game with a pint the next.”
Wet-led operators expand with Star Pubs
Community pub operators Simon Woodcock and Richard Hepplestone have hit 10 sites after taking on a lease with Star on a pub near Pontefract, West Yorkshire.
The Upton Arms in Upton received a £200,000 joint investment from the duo and pub company, which starts this week and will feature a new outside area and revamped games room.
Furthermore, the interior will be given a new look with contemporary décor, new furniture, flooring and soft furnishings.
A new sports zone will feature a pool table, two halo darts boards with electronic scoring and big screens showing Sky and TNT Sports while its 100 capacity function room will also have a mini facelift. Read more here.
Three Cheers to open the Trafalgar this month
Three Cheers Pub Co. has confirmed the opening date for its new pub in the capital.
The Trafalgar, located on the site of a former bank on King’s Road in Chelsea, London, will officially reopen on Tuesday 21 October following an investment of £2.4m.
Boasting five-metre high ceilings, the grand venue has been transformed into a warm and welcoming pub.
It marks the London-based group’s first new opening since 2018. Co-founder Tom Peake recently spoke to The Morning Advertiser (The MA) about the renovation, describing it as an exciting challenge. Read more here.
Northern Monk unveils new Refectory in York
Independent Leeds-based brewery Northern Monk will welcome customers to its new Refractory site in York later this month.
Situated in the heart of the city on Little Stonegate, Northern Monk Refectory York will open its doors on the Friday 24 October.
The new multi-floor site includes three street food concepts and a 20-tap bar pouring draught and cask beers handpicked from Northern Monk’s range.
It boasts a ground floor wall-to-wall bar as well as a snug, tasting room and outdoor space, while the venue’s first floor features a bespoke dining space and three resident kitchens.
The new Refractory joins Northern Monk’s other venues in Leeds and Manchester and marks the brewery’s first new opening in seven years.
Northern Monk founder and managing director Russell Bisset said: “We’re stoked to announce the opening dates for Northern Monk Refectory York. There’ll be loads going on across launch weekend, the pints and pizza slices will be flying.
“York is one of the UK’s most iconic cities, we’re honoured to be opening our doors here. In collaboration with our friends at Supamarkets, the new Refectory site is shaping up to be an incredible venue - a space that brings people together and celebrates Northern culture and community.”
Bart & Taylor launch new cocktail bar
Hospitality group Bart & Taylor has unveiled its new concept, Cato, which is set to open in London’s Covent Garden next month.
Launched in collaboration with bartender and drinks author Angelos Bafas, the 2,200 sqft cocktail bar takes inspiration from New York City’s bar culture and famous 19th century bartender Cato Alexander.
The 100-cover cocktail bar is focused on community, sustainability, and minimal waste. It will feature three distinct spaces: the ‘House of Julep’ serving fast, approachable cocktails; ‘Lower cato’ offering a minimalist menu using British ingredients; and ‘cato’s study’, a creative hub for masterclasses.
Bart & Taylor said the venue would be self-sufficient by growing herbs and fruits in-house or sourcing locally. Bafas, known for his ingredient-led mixology and global accolades, will lead operations alongside the group’s beverage manager, Yaw Asante.
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