Robinsons invests £1.25m in pub overhauls

17-Aug-2023 - Last updated on 17-Aug-2023 at 15:53 GMT

Northern powerhouse: Robinsons also enjoyed success at the Great British Beer Festival with Old Tom. Pictured are director of marketing David Bremner, digital marketing & communications manager Rebecca Downey and communications manager Holly Richardson

Cheshire-based brewer and pub operator Robinsons Brewery has completed the refurbishment of three tenanted pubs at a cost of £1.25m.

The three sites, all in Cheshire, that enjoyed renovations are the Hawk Inn in Haslington, the Unicorn in Congleton and The Swan & Chequers in Sandbach.

Robinsons said the significant investments, each very different, showcase the brewery’s commitment to developing and enhancing its diverse 250-strong pub estate.

The Hawk, the Unicorn, and the Swan & Chequers have all undergone extensive renovations, providing these villages and towns of Cheshire with inviting pubs for the community to enjoy.

The investment sees the reopening of a previously closed business, generating additional jobs within the region.

New licensees

Robinsons is also welcoming two new business partners on board to operate two of the restored pubs and celebrating more than 30 years of partnership with their business partner at the Unicorn.

This year, the Stockport-based business has invested the highest amount of capital expenditure across its pub estate, with 17 investment projects completed in 2023 so far.

William Robinson, managing director (Pub Division) at Robinsons, said: “The investments we are making across our pub estate reflects dedication to our business partners and the communities they serve.

“These recent investments and the innovation we are driving in our cask and keg beer range demonstrate our commitment to delivering a great experience for consumers, in unique and welcoming surroundings.”

The Hawk Inn has benefited from a delicate restoration of a listed building, the well-loved Unicorn in Congleton was refreshed for its community and their interest in live sports while the Swan & Chequers brings a new dimension to Sandbach with its transformed town centre pub.

Old Tom beer victory

Earlier this month, Robinsons Brewery Old Tom beer won gold in the category of Champion Winter Beer of Britain – Barley Wines and Strong Old Ales, at the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) Great British Beer Awards 2023.

Robinsons Brewery brands and drinks manager Sam Kennerley said at the time: “We are absolutely delighted that Old Tom (8.5% ABV) has been awarded Gold in the Champion Winter Beer of Britain.

“Old Tom has been a mainstay for Robinsons ever since it was first brewed over 124 years ago, a truly unique beer that continues to prove, year on year, that the classics never go out of style.

“The original strong ale has a distinctive deep port wine finish and has been a firm favourite worldwide since it was first brewed in 1899.”

Robinsons pubs across the north-west, Cumbria and north Wales will celebrate Old Tom Day this year on 1 November – exactly 124 years since the first brew – where pubs and drinkers will come to together celebrate Robinsons’ legendary beer as it returns to cask on the bar.