Joseph Holt opens new cask-ale-house concept

Joseph Holt, the Manchester-based brewer and pub operator, has opened a new cask-ale-house concept that could be rolled out further across the estate.

The Ape & Apple on John Dalton Street, central Manchester, has undergone a refurbishment and Holts described it as a “blend of classic pub offerings and contemporary charm”.

It features traditional pub food — dishes are available from as little as £2.95 — plus cask ales, gourmet whiskies and bottled craft beers.

It’s the first pub to have a cask loyalty scheme, where the ninth pint of any cask ale is free on production of a completed card.

Rebecca Daniels, marketing manager for Joseph Holt, said: “We are very excited about the outcome of this development and know our first cask-ale house will be a huge hit. This concept really could pave the way for other sites in our estate.”

Meanwhile, the Business Desk reports that Holts has signed up to open a pub at Worthington Properties’ £55m Heyhouses Lane development in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire.