Historic pub returns to roots as customers vote to return its old 1960s name

Joseph Holt Brewery has confirmed the new name of their newest pub in Alkrington

Punters were asked to vote on the name of a historic pub – and chose to return its original nostalgic name from the 60s.

Manchester brewery Joseph Holt asked customers to rename their latest pub. The 175-year-old brewery's competition for Thornberries in Alkrington Green saw an overwhelming vote to bring back its original name, The Roebuck.

Mark Norbury, Joseph Holt Pub Director said: “When we bought Thornberries we wanted customers to play a key part in rejuvenating this popular pub and we were inundated with responses.

“Yet despite a wide range of suggestions, The Roebuck was the clear winner with so many wanting the pub to go back to its original name.

“Joseph Holt has been in the same family for six generations - and as an independent company, we are hugely respectful of heritage and tradition as well as the needs of our customers.”
 

Read more: Drinkers invited to give Middleton pub new namePublished: 16 December 2023

He added: “With the pub regaining its original name, we're thrilled the past is being acknowledged in the exciting future of the pub as it undergoes a full refurbishment.”

Joseph Holt already owns 127 pubs across the North West. However, Mark said the company constantly looks for places where there is a ‘gap’ in the geography of its estate so Thornberries was an obvious addition to the Joseph Holt portfolio.

Mark continued: “Although we already own pubs in Blackley and Middleton, we didn't have one in Alkrington Green. Joseph Holt is a family business and location is so important to us in terms of being at the heart of the community.”

“Thornberries, like so many of our pubs, has been a place for charity events, social groups and other community gatherings – all the things which mark out our pubs as places which are central to the local areas they serve. All of which will continue under its new name, The Roebuck.

“At the centre of this will be a pub which serves award-winning ales and delicious food as it enjoys a new beginning.”

Following the £1.5 million sale and refurbishment, the Roebuck will re-open following a full overhaul inside and out, optimising existing unused space as well as creating a stunning beer garden.

The Roebuck itself is a popular name for pubs across the country. Many venues have animal names since they were meeting places for the local hunt.