Almond Pub Group calls time on two Stockport sites

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic’s ongoing impact on the hospitality sector, the Almond Family Pubs Group has given notice on two of its Stockport locations.

The family-run group has handed in its notice to the relevant breweries to leave the Three Bears and The Hesketh pubs. While all of the group’s six pubs have felt the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the two to close have been most affected, and are unlikely to reopen before the end of their notice periods.

No job losses are expected as staff contracts should be transferred to new owners. In a statement announcing the closures, the Almond family commented:

Our family and the teams at The Hesketh & Three Bears are so disappointed not to share this Christmas with you, but we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your custom over our long and happy history at both pubs. We have some fantastic memories that we will cherish.

“We are sad that we have not even had an opportunity to say goodbye or hold a leaving party due to the circumstances, but we hope that is not goodbye forever. We are determined that the four of our remaining pubs will recover. We hope to see all of our customers back enjoying the pubs but especially those from the Three Bears and The Hesketh. “

The group now remains hopeful that Covid-19 restrictions can be eased, and Greater Manchester downgraded to Tier 2 alert level later this month. Being in Tier 2 would allow pubs to reopen once again, and the group is provisionally accepting bookings from the 17th December.