Sir Norman Rae, Shipley: Pub to become The Pride of Shipley

The Sir Norman Rae, on Market Square in Shipley, shut for good at the end of March - with JD Wetherspoon saying it had sold the venue as part of a "commercial decision".

Last month, it was revealed Derbyshire-based firm Mountain Pub Company had acquired the prominent building.

Signs are now going up at the pub, which will be called The Pride of Shipley, and excitement is growing locally.

Helen Standing, managing director of Mountain Pub Company, told the Telegraph & Argus this afternoon: "Contractors are currently busy working on the building - there's quite a bit of work to do - but we're making good progress.

There's excitement about the upcoming opening of The Pride of Shipley (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

"We don't have a confirmed opening date yet but I know there's plenty of excitement about its upcoming launch.

"The pub has such an important part to play in Shipley town centre.

"We can't wait to open The Pride of Shipley and we thank the people of Shipley for their interest."

Helen said she would keep the T&A and readers up-to-date.

According to its website, Mountain Pub Company operates seven pubs, including the Engine Room in Bingley.

"Mountain pubs are at the heart of northern communities with local beers on tap and plenty of chat," its website adds.

"We bring the atmosphere, prices and warm welcome of a good old-fashioned pub while priding ourselves on always looking the part.

"At Mountain pubs we're just as game for a cosy afternoon watching the sports as we are for a night of quality entertainment.

"As long there's good company and the region's best beers on offer, that's us made."

Mountain Pub Company acquired the Shipley town centre building along with two other ex-Wetherspoon venues - the White Hart in Todmorden and the Mockbeggar Hall in Wirral.  

Birmingham-based business WTS Property Consultants helped Mountain Pub Company in the sale of the three sites. 

Richard Tole, director at WTS Property Consultants, said: "I am pleased to have been able to help acquire these sites on behalf of Mountain Pub Company.

"They are an excellent addition to their growing estate and I'm excited to see the transformation of these pubs in the coming weeks and wish Helen Standing and the team at Mountain Pub Company all the best with the upcoming relaunches."