A spokesperson for CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale) has spoken out in defence of the Briton’s Protection pub as a petition launched to try and save it nears 8,000 signatures.
CAMRA Pub Protection Officer Steve Ingham has reinforced growing concerns that the Briton’s expansive real ale and whiskey offering would be significantly diminished if Allan Hudd and Mark West’s lease is not renewed by Heineken-owned subsidiary Star Pubs & Bars in June.
Addressing fears that the pub’s impressive rotation of locally-brewed cask ales could soon disappear forever, he suggested that Star Pubs appear to ‘mistrust the current team’, whilst pointing out how liked and respected they are by their punters.
He told The Manc: “Realistically the adoption of the company’s Just Add Talent model as they term it, is their description of the intention to replace the existing team at the helm who are liked and respected by those who visit.
“Building on the ‘current model’ contradicts the beliefs of the current team of the motives of Star who would be unlikely to offer the great range of whiskey and bourbon.
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“The lease could of course be renewed in favour of the current tenants who have and could be relied upon to continue to provide the choice of spirits and real ale.
“It’s reasonable to conclude from the comment ‘ensure its long-term sustainability that the company mistrust the current team to continue to operate in the manner the company prefers.”
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Mr Ingham also pointed out that the pub’s currently market rent only (MRO) lease ‘provides the flexibility to the team to make choices rather than have choices presented to them.’
Adding that a change to the Just Add Talent model will ‘reflect a materially different choice, not that currently available which can react to customer suggestions,’ he said that, frustratingly, even well intentioned national company approaches ‘don’t always align with regional and even more importantly local needs.’
Tenants Allan Hudd and Mark West are currently battling to retain control of the historic boozer after being served a Section 25 eviction notice.
Fearing that everything they’ve worked to build here over the past ten years will be lost, the current team have set up a petition online which at the time of writing has received 7,645 signatures.
The petition states: “The pub is a must visit site for their specialist whisky collection, boasting over 300 bottles; including their own unique offering of specially selected single barrel Jack Daniels as well 8 rotating locally sourced cask ales on draught .
“The landlord Allan Hudd and Owner Mark West have put 10 years of passion into maintaining what this Great British pub is all about and if lost it will fall into the abyss of generic gastro pub white washing that has befell so many others, seeing the offerings whittle down to minimal portfolio that would no longer be able to support the local breweries or offer such a vast selection of whisky as is common place just now.”
The pair were only informed their lease will not be renewed this June after paying all outstanding rent and the next quarter upfront – a sum of £170,000.
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They had previously been told there would be no issues moving forward with a new contract if these payments were made, only to be issued with an eviction notice a week later.
One comment on the petition reads: “This is a gem of a pub and needs to stay as is rather than become like a 100 other chain pubs”
Another says, “We have lost enough of our heritage to these consumer giants. I still remember Tommy Ducks from my youth. Our youngsters need the opportunity to experience a variety of drinks from all over the country rather than the limited selection provided by the large conglomerates.”
A third added, “The issue of hostile Section 25 notices is a massive problem now, as the major pub companies try to avoid tenants getting their new legal rights under the Pubs Code. They are ruining hundreds of wonderful, unique pubs, evicting good long-term tenants to replace them with unsuspecting newcomers who then struggle to make the pubs work under toxic, profiteering, fake management deals. It’s a scandal.”
A fourth commented, “Unbelievable that these big businesses can’t see the unique potential of places like this – it’s not like it’s short on customers. They’re wiping the cultural slate clean :(“
If you would like to show your support for the pub, you can sign the petition to save it here.
Feature image – The Manc Group
News
Council announces return of FREE firework displays in Manchester parks
Emily Sergeant
The skies over Manchester will light up once again, as free firework displays are set to return to several of the city’s parks.
You may remember that major fireworks events throughout the city had been paused following the COVID-19 pandemic, due to funding challenges, with Manchester City Council choosing to invest in a range of other community-focused events across throughout the autumn season instead, rather than one-off firework celebrations.
But now, once this November rolls around, all of that is set to change.
That’s because, on Saturday 7 November, free fireworks events will return to Heaton Park, Wythenshawe Park, and Platt Fields Park.
First up, there will be a reduced-noise, low-impact display at 5pm for families and SEND audiences, and a main fireworks display then to follow a little later at 8pm.
The Council has announced the return of free firework displays in Manchester parks / Credit: Unsplash
Each of the three parks will host lantern making workshops in the weeks leading up to the events too, with family-friendly lantern parades taking place ahead of the 8pm firework shows.
The Council says that the return of the free fireworks events reflects residents’ recent feedback about what they want to see in their community and how they want funding to be distributed.
“It’s a chance, at the start of the shorter days and beginning of the dark winter months, to come together and resume a much-loved annual tradition as well as enjoying an evening of safe entertainment and spectacular fireworks displays,” Manchester City Council said in a statement.
Councillor Basat Sheikh, who is the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, added: “We are delighted to announce and welcome the return of our much-loved fireworks celebrations.
It’s the first time they’ve returned since the COVID-19 pandemic / Credit: Elisha Terada (via Unsplash)
“Our parks should be shared spaces that create opportunities for Manchester people to gather, which is why bringing back the fireworks displays was top of our agenda. And we also recognise the importance of community which is why we will also continue to invest in a wide range of activities in our parks throughout the year.
“The return of these events is a wonderful opportunity for families and communities to create lasting memories and enjoy the long-standing tradition of fireworks in our parks in a safe way.”
Additional entertainment will be announced for each park in the coming weeks too, so keep your eyes peeled for more.
Featured Image – Alex Jones (via Unsplash)
News
Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Georgina Pellant -
5th April 2022 
