COMMUNITY pubs giant Admiral Taverns has agreed a £222 million deal to take over its rival Hawthorn and its 674 sites, including a number in Bradford.

The deal means Admiral will now control more than 1,600 pubs across the UK, focused on drink-oriented pubs.

Chris Jowsey, chief executive of Admiral, said: “It is a really exciting step forward for the business and we remain committed to the supportive partnership model, which is highly regarded by licensees.

“Our wet-led, community focused, supportive culture is very much shared by Hawthorn and I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome our new licensees and colleagues to Admiral.

“The acquisition has allowed us to acquire an excellent portfolio of pubs which we look forward to developing through our award-winning and highly supportive approach.

“During the pandemic Admiral has consistently championed its community pubs, offering significant rent aid and reopening support as well as lobbying the Government on key issues such as hospitality grants, reducing business rates and VAT, and economic support for the hospitality sector.”

These are all the Bradford pubs currently owned by Hawthorn which will be taken over by Admiral:

  • Boy and Barrel, Westgate, city centre
  • The Smiling Mule, Moorside Road, Eccleshill
  • Red Lion Hotel, Manchester Road, Bankfoot
  • The Fountain, Victoria Road, Eccleshill
  • Park Hotel, Reevy Road, Wibsey
  • Barley Mow, Halifax Road, Woodside
  • British Queen, Huddersfield Road, Low Moor
  • Crown Hotel, Huddersfield Road, Wyke