A Manchester tale about David and Goliath, The story of the Britons Protection, a CAMRA National Heritage pub, and the threats it faces.

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The Britons Protection pub Listed Grade 11. in Manchester city centre affectionately known as the BP to many of its regulars is facing the prospect of two unwelcome changes at the same time. Owners, Star Heineken (Star) want to take the pub back from the leaseholders and business partners. The other disconcerting prospect is a proposed new property development that will enclose and overshadow the BP.

Tenancy renewal Star have served a Section 25 Notice under the Landlord and Tenant Act with the object of not renewing the lease on the current terms under which the business partners operate, a Market Rent Only option. This allows control of the offer over the bar in lieu of payment of rent to the owner. If the pub is taken back by Star then the current range of regional cask ales and splendid range of over 300 Whiskies on offer could literally disappear.

Business partner Allan Hudd has with his other two partners and staff worked hard during the course of their current tenancy, over the last ten years, to build up the business, providing the current range of sprits and real ale.

As a community hub the BP is used by the local Central Manchester branch of CAMRA for meetings. It is also used by the Manchester Civic Society, Peterloo Memorial Campaign and the Manchester Whisky Club. The BP has a good vibe and atmosphere and is also used by visitors and musicians who attend the Bridgewater Hall opposite, a premier Manchester venue for music of all types. Many others also happen upon the pub on their visits to Manchester.

If the BP is taken back by Star the nature and spirit of this local facility will evaporate for a potentially homogeneous offering of the same old culprits in term of the drink offer and much more importantly the atmosphere of a cracking local.

So what is to be done? You can help Allan his business partners and staff by committing to their crowd funding initiative below. This will help defray their legal costs which have and will be incurred in their fight with Star . https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/savethebritonsprotection

Property Development The other threat to the BP is the proposed development on either side of the pub by developer Apex who claim their development will enhance the prospect of the BP. Their confidence in the scheme is misplaced. It will totally overshadow the BP including its intimate ‘beer garden’. The development is inappropriate because of its scale and immediate proximity to the pub. CAMRA will continue to monitor the progress of the scheme. You can view the details here: https://www.albion-st-consultation.co.uk/

You can also sign the ‘Save our pub’ petition here: https://www.change.org/p/save-our-pub-the-britons-protection/psf/share?share=1&source_location=combo_psf

Steve Ingham, Pub Preservation Officer Manchester Central CAMRA