A beloved Tyldesley pub gets a £350,000 makeover with a nostalgic nod to its past

A Tyldesley pub has undergone a £350,000  glow-up  - but with a face lift that deliberately harks back to the past.

The Mort Arms, which is owned by Manchester-based brewery Joseph Holt, has just enjoyed a top-to-toe refurbishment

But rather than opting for a contemporary look, the revamp has been purposefully designed in the style of a traditional pub.

As such it reflects ongoing research which has found customers are turning away from  modern-looking venues as they feel traditional, characterful pubs provide a warmer welcome.

Part of the refurbishment  has included preservation of a wealth of original features such as wood panelling,  timber flooring, etched glass and tiled Art Deco fireplaces .

The colour schemes of the walls and reupholstered furniture also tie in with the Mort Arm`s characterful feel.

The wall between the main oak bar  and lounge at The Mort Arms has also been taken out and replaced with a central island, creating an even more inclusive, welcoming feel for visitors to the pub.

Earlier this  year the British Beer and Pub Association found that a cosy, traditional atmosphere was the defining feature of the ideal pub for 33 per cent of respondents, compared with just six per cent who favoured a modern, stylish setting.

Refurbishing the Mort Arms in such a traditional style is a signature  of Joseph Holt venues.

The brewery owns 127 pubs across the North West, and has been in the same family for six generations since being established by weaver’s son, Joseph Holt in 1849.

According to Marc Broady, acquisition and development executive at Joseph Holt, it is this long history which guides the company`s approach to renovations  since it is rooted in an appreciation of pub traditions and an understanding of  its enduring role as a central hub of community life.

Among the many social groups that meet at the Mort Arms is the monthly Poems and Pints  which gives local creatives the chance to share their original work with a receptive audience. 

Marc added: “We continually invest in our pubs to ensure they offer the very best facilities and standards for our customers.

“However, while we embrace improvements and modern comforts, we remain firmly committed to preserving the traditional character and charm of a great British pub.

“That means  including features such as real fires, historic pictures, timber panelling and carefully chosen bric-a-brac all  which  help create a sense of warmth, familiarity and a warm welcome.

“There are also hand rails and foot rails on the bars – a classic feature for those who like to lean on the bar.

“Our pubs have always been at the heart of the communities where they are located.

“And having a traditional look and feel is essential to that – not least at a at a time when many people are sadly experiencing loneliness”.

In fact the role of pubs in combatting loneliness was reflected in a survey last year by The British Beer & Pub Association which found that 67 per cent of people saw pubs as a way of tackling social isolation.

Further research revealed comfortable, traditional seating  and an open fire are key drivers for making a pub appeal to them.

Marc added: “At a time when so many people experience loneliness or feel increasingly disconnected from their communities, the role of the local pub has never been more important.”