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25th July 2017

The Liberation Group buys historic Bristol pub

The Liberation Group, owner of Butcombe Brewery, has acquired a historic pub in Bristol.

The pub will join the company’s now 27 strong Butcombe estate in the region. The Liberation Group has purchased The Hatchet Inn, located in the centre of the city.

The pub is Grade II listed and has been serving pints since before the English Civil War. The Hatchet is famous for being Bristol’s oldest pub, first licenced in 1606.

Its name was inspired by the woodsmen of the nearby Clifton Wood. During the 18th Century, the pub was known for its cock-fighting ring which later became a bare-knuckle boxing venue, producing local champions Benjamin Brain, Jem Belcher and Henry Pearce.

It’s believed that the pub is haunted and the door of the Inn is made of human flesh beneath the tar. It’s also reputed that piratesincluding Blackbeard have drunk at the pub. In more recent times, The Hatchet has become one of Bristol’s leading rock and alternative venues, hosting regular club nights.

The Hatchet will continue to be run by general manager of 11 years, Drew Short, who is looking forward to joining the Butcombe team.

The Hatchet Inn is The Liberation Group’s sixth pub acquisition in the South West in 2017, as they grow their estate of high quality pubs in the region. It marks another step towards The Liberation Group’s long-term target of doubling the size of their whole portfolio to 200 pubs across the Channel Islands and Southern England.

The pub has been purchased in an off-market transaction for an undisclosed sum. Following the acquisition, The Liberation Group continues to seek to acquire good quality pubs in the South West. Mark Crowther, CEO of the Liberation Group, said: “This historic pub is a fantastic addition to our Butcombe portfolio. The heritage and charm the pub offers has allowed it to draw in thirsty drinkers for centuries.

“We are delighted to have such a beautiful pub in our estate. The Hatchet Inn is an iconic pub in Bristol with an incredible and unusual legacy. We look forward to taking the reins and building on its impressive reputation.”

25 June 2017 –

ENDS- Enquiries: Liberation Group Tel: 01934 864898 Emmy Webster, Butcombe Brewing Co. Marketing Manager Instinctif Partners Tel: 020 7457 2020 Matt Smallwood Tali Kramer Henry Conner