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, which is situated on John Dalton Street in 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.
Holts said there’s an “excellent wine menu”, featuring Prosecco for £15.
The Ape & Apple is Holts’ first pub to introduce a Cask Loyalty scheme, whereby the ninth pint of any cask ale is free on production of a completed card, which is available from the bar.
The second floor has been transformed into a performance studio and will host live comedy every Wednesday.
Rebecca Daniels, marketing manager for Joseph Holt, said: “It’s been a very busy few weeks for us with the full refurbishment of the Ape & Apple and a further two sites underway.
“We are very excited about the outcome of this development and know our first cask ale house will be a huge hit. The offering is traditional, with a twist, pub grub, a full range of cask ales and a variety of bottled beers, there’s also gourmet whiskies on the bar for those enthusiasts and bubbles for those who aren’t. 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. It will feature a 162 homes. Supermarket group Booths has already signed up to the scheme.
