The historic site, originally built in 1818, has been closed for a number of years and will now undergo a £500,000-plus refurbishment, with plans to reopen later this summer as a family dining pub.
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Managing director William Lees-Jones said the deal reflects a broader shift in strategy, with the business focusing on growing its Pub Partner and retail operator divisions.
‘Back in growth mode’
“Glossop has been on our radar for quite some time and we’ve been impressed with the success of the Market Hall since it opened,” he said.
“It’s good to be buying new pubs again and we are focused on adding to our Pub Partner and retail operator estates rather than managed houses.”
He added: “Back in growth mode and it feels good.”
The 90-cover pub, with an additional 40 external seats, is expected to appeal to both locals and visitors, with Lees-Jones highlighting its proximity to popular walking routes.
Publican win
The move comes shortly after Lees-Jones was named Business Leader of the Year at the Publican Awards 2026, recognising his role in driving the family-owned brewer and pub operator forward.
The acquisition also follows a period of strong trading for the group, which recently reported record festive sales across its estate.
Lees-Jones said the company would continue to pursue further opportunities, particularly individual sites that align with its long-term investment strategy.
“Individual pubs like the Royal Oak are hard to come by but we are confident this will be the first of many, as we scale up our investment programme,” he said.
JW Lees, founded in 1828, operates a mixed estate of managed pubs, inns and hotels alongside its leased and tenanted Pub Partners division, and has increasingly focused on targeted investment and expansion in recent years.
