Time called as Wigan pub is sold

The building was originally put on the market towards the end of last year but the first buyer pulled out of the deal.

However, it was quickly snapped up after it was re-listed at a different price, with Fleurets saying most of the interest in the building was for a change of use rather than keeping it running as a local boozer.

Fleurets said the sale of the Hare and Hounds was indicative of major changes in the pub and hospitality industry which means drinkers now have a wider range of venues to choose from than previously but a lot of long-established businesses are seeing dwindling customer numbers coming through the doors.

Ian Taylor from Fleurets said: “The Hare and Hounds was predominantly a traditional, local, wet-led pub.

“The trade has changed and it is hard to get enough customers during the day to support that.

“There are more places opening in the leisure sector now but it is different. There are more places to eat and drink now, the number of new outlets in Manchester is phenomenal.

“It’s just unfortunate for the traditional local that there has been this change and it’s now more to do with food and enjoying it with families.

“Traditional pubs on the corner in residential areas aren’t being supported by locals but if you go on to the high street where there is more footfall people are going in for a coffee, a sandwich or whatever. There are opportunities out there.”

The Hare and Hounds was listed as a two-bar premises in a densely populated area with a beer patio and living accommodation with three bedrooms.

Mr Taylor said another notable change on the high street in recent years is the closure of smaller bank branches, with many of those ending up on property auction sites.

He suggested that one of the biggest sources of demand for these was people looking to convert them into licenced premises.

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