Salford-based brewer and pub retailer Hydes has completed a £235,000 refurbishment of the boutique hotel at The Abel Heywood, located in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.

This investment follows a multi-million, seven-figure investment programme across its pub estate in 2024, which included a £200,000 refurbishment of the award-winning Abel Heywood pub 12 months ago.

The refurbishment of the Abel Heywood’s boutique onsite hotel involved a complete redecoration of all 15 rooms. Each room now features new beds, fixtures, and fittings, along with contemporary decor designed to appeal to modern city break guests.

Over the past year, Hydes has invested over £430,000 in modernising and refurbishing The Abel Heywood.

Acquired by Hydes in 2014, The Abel Heywood’s hotel facility underwent a rolling closure in January, with no disruption to the pub, bar, and dining facilities during the refurbishment. The on-site boutique hotel, popular with visitors to Manchester, consistently maintains a 99% occupancy rate and is one of the best-reviewed hotels in the city.

Alex Allan, appointed as manager of the Abel Heywood in December 2014, has played a crucial role in establishing the Hydes brewery-owned pub as a star attraction in Manchester’s famous Northern Quarter. He helped secure its reputation as one of the city centre’s favourite places to stay.

Hydes have transformed the premises from an almost derelict, fire-damaged former textile warehouse into the eye-catching landmark building it is today. The Abel Heywood first opened its doors to customers in December 2014.

Over the past decade, the Abel Heywood was one of the first dining pubs to provide boutique hotel accommodation in Manchester. Since opening, it has maintained its reputation and is fully booked with guests every week, despite stiff competition from numerous hotels in the city centre.

The refurbishment of the pub in February 2024 included modernising all existing Victorian-style decor, new external signage, lighting, and a revitalisation of the bar areas. These refinements proved to be a big success with customers, significantly boosting takings post-opening.

Alex noted: “The Abel Heywood is a beloved destination for city centre drinkers and visitors seeking a unique overnight stay. After a decade at the helm, I’ve seen it become an integral part of the Northern Quarter’s identity. The recent refurbishments have been a resounding success, and I am confident that our hotel’s modernisation will have a similar impact, further enhancing our customers’ experience.”

Adam Mayers, managing director of Hydes, stated: “The Abel Heywood is a cornerstone of our estate, and this latest investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to refurbishing our pubs. With its adjoined boutique hotel, it remains a favourite in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, and this investment will help build on the success it has achieved since we acquired it over a decade ago.”

Hydes, with its brewery in Media City, Salford, was formed in 1863 and supplies beers to wholesalers, pub companies and other brewers throughout the UK and a pub retailing estate of 40 pubs across the North West of England and North Wales.