One of Greater Manchester’s oldest pubs is set for a major change. The current licensee will be handing the running of the legendary boozer back to the landlord Star Pubs – a subsidiary of brewing giant Heineken – this week.
From January 8, Star Pubs, which already owns owns the Britons Protection building, will take back control of the pub from the current licensee, it has been confirmed. The pub will also be closed until January 16 for ‘infrastructure’ upgrades.
A spokesperson for Star Pubs said: “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.
READ MORE: Karen’s Diner could be set to make a big return – with a new Indian twist
“These improvements will be in keeping with the look and feel of the pub and maintain its historic status.”
The pub, which is said to have served as a refuge for the injured during the Peterloo Massacre and was used as an army recruitment centre during the Napoleonic Wars, is part of the the city’s rich historical tapestry and its future has been the source of a long-running legal battle between its current licensees and the brewery.
Long-running legal battle
Last year, it was reported that those in charge of the day-to-day running of the pub, licensee Mark West and Allan Hudd, were set to appear in court as part of a hearing to consider its application for a new tenancy. It came after Star Pubs chose not to renew Mark and Allan’s lease in 2022, sparking fears over the future of the pub.
The pub has operated as a ‘Market Rent Only’ pub since 2018, meaning it isn’t tied to Heineken products, but must buy a certain amount of keg beer from the brewing company. However, the move by Star Pubs led to fears from the licensee that the local institution, which has become known for its wide selection of world whiskies, would be turned into a more ‘generic’ Heineken-supplied pub.
The Briton’s Protection pub is situated on the corner of Great Bridgewater Street
(Image: MEN)
In a petition lodged almost three years ago, and signed by more than 16,000 people, the Britons team said if they lost control, the pub would “fall into the abyss of generic gastro pub”, stripped of its character, selling an “unrecognisable” portfolio of drinks that would “no longer be able to support the local breweries or offer such a vast selection of whisky”.
A court hearing took place in June 2024 at the Manchester Civil Justice Centre, but was adjourned the next day due to a ‘technical point of procedure’ relating to evidence. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News at the time, Mr Hudd hailed this as a ‘small victory’.
It is one of three city centre buildings to have stood near the site of the Peterloo Massacre
(Image: Vincent Cole – Manchester Evening News)
In September, the pub was saved after a ‘positive resolution’ was reached between the landlord and licensee. In a joint statement on September 19, issued on behalf of both Star Pubs and Mr West, the two sides said they had reached a ‘positive resolution’ over the future of the pub. It did not elaborate on the specifics on who would run the pub day-to-day but said there would be a ‘transition’.
It said: “Both Mark West and Star Pubs are committed to the long-term future of the Britons Protection and, aware of the potential impact on the site that an ongoing dispute could have, are pleased to have reached an amicable agreement regarding the future of the pub. It is a beautiful, historic pub that appeals to both locals who love real ale and visitors looking to experience the traditional Mancunian Great British pub.
Britons Protection in Manchester City Centre
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“Star Pubs will build on the well-loved current offer, continuing to support the pub’s historic status and maintain its focus on serving an interesting range of real ales. Mark and Star Pubs will be working together to ensure a smooth transition and the successful ongoing operation of this site. Star Pubs would like to thank Mark for his ongoing commitment to the Britons Protection.”
Responding to the news at the time, Mr Hudd told the M.E.N. that the agreement means that the pub can keep running as it is. He described the news as ‘positive’, and added: “The main thing is that the pub stays. That’s the main thing for me – to keep the Britons Protection alive.”
However, just a few months later, the statement has since been updated by Star Pubs to confirm the pub’s temporary closure later this week, and that full running and ownership of The Britons Protection will now be handed over the the Heineken subsidiary as of January 8.
Star Pubs & Bars is the pub arm of Heineken UK, the UK subsidiary of Dutch brewing giant Heineken. Heineken acquired the pubs as a result of its takeover of Scottish & Newcastle in a joint purchase with Carlsberg in 2008. As of 2024, the company currently runs around 2,400 pubs in the UK.
Mark West and Allan Hudd were approached for comment.