One of Bath’s best known ale houses is set to re-open with a new look and owner. The Hop Pole on the Upper Bristol Road closed suddenly last year but is set to re-open as a traditional family pub. The famous landmark had been run by Bath Ales when it suddenly closed last August.
Its new owner – Bath’s own Abbey Ales – is as well known as the Hop Pole itself.
Chairman and managing director Alan Morgan explained: “ We have been looking to expand our small exclusive pub estate for some time and the Hop Pole presented all the opportunities we were looking for.
“The pub has been empty for eight months but we will carry out a minor TLC refurbishment to breathe new life into the business.
“We will re-open the Hop Pole as a traditional style family pub with the added attractions of darts, pool and Sky Sports.”
Ironically, Abbey Ales three other popular pubs – the Star Inn, the Assembly Inn and the city’s smallest pub, the Coeur de Lion – were all run down or closed when the brewery took them over.
Operations director Simon Morgan added: “ Strangely all three pubs needed an uplift when we took them on and they are all now running very successfully. We are confident we can make the Hop Pole another great successful landmark in Bath.”
Abbey Ales started brewing in 1997 and produces a number of award winning craft ales which reflect its important role as a major business in Bath. When it launched it was the first and only brewery in Bath for over 50 years. Its famous Bellringer cask bitter impressed local MP Don Foster so much he arranged for it to be sold as a guest ale in the Houses of Parliament.
For further information please contact Simon Morgan on 07855 742959
Or 01225 444437
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