The brewer Whitbread has announced it is bringing a second Hogshead pub to Bradford. With one publican warning the city centre is now at saturation point Telegraph & Argus reporter Joanne Earp looks at the battle between traditional 'back street boozers' and modern theme pubs.

IN THE LAST three years the big breweries have begun to dominate Bradford city centre, pumping millions of pounds into new premises and major refits.

Traditional back street pubs - each with their own trademark characteristics and loyal band of regulars - seem to be a dying breed.

Today the range of pubs on offer fall into roughly three categories: traditional free houses which continue to stand the test of time; conversions from traditional to themed bars; and conversions from empty properties to themed bars.

The Melborn Hotel is one of the few remaining free houses in the city centre. It prides itself on offering customers a traditional atmosphere - complete with old-style tap room, pool room and music lounge.

Eamon Holloran, landlord for the last 15 years, said: "This place was built in 1935. Some people have called it an ugly duckling but I prefer to think of it as a swan.

"We're a pub for down-to-earth people. We have lots of regulars of all ages who travel from as far as Leeds to enjoy a pint and a chat. As for newcomers - they are just friends we haven't had the chance to meet yet."

The Melborn boasts regular community and charity events, along with traditional music nights and not a karaoke machine in sight.

Eamon added: "We serve traditional cask ales, bar snacks and offer bed and breakfast. We prefer restoration to change. This pub has a history and we want to keep it that way."

The decision by Tetley's to transform the Manville Arms in Great Horton Road into Scruffy Murphy's sparked a 1,200-name petition from regulars who were unhappy a thriving pub was getting a new look.

But a spokesman for Scruffy Murphy's public relations company Seal said: "It has been a great success with everyone from students to business people since opening its doors three years ago. It offers the best welcome and an Irish atmosphere which is as near to the real thing as you can get."

Live Irish music, booths and snugs, stained timber, aged brick work, Irish food and, of course a 'drop of the black stuff', are all part of the Scruffy Murphy's experience.

The Old Bank in the heart of the city centre was converted from a former bank last year by Whitbread and opened as one of it's 140 Hogshead outlets.

Licensee Russell Pinder said: "We've tried to create a traditional interior but on a larger scale. We're aiming at a community pub based in the city centre.

"We've built up a regular trade from all age groups. We've got traditional cask ales, Belgian beers and wines. We're not against small pubs and know the Old Bank might not be everyone's cup of tea, but at least the choice is there."

Kerr Kennedy a local member of the Campaign for Real Ale - CAMRA - agrees and says a varied choice of city centre pubs is what Bradford should be striving to retain.

He said: "A lot of the new pubs we are seeing are trying to promote a certain image and, in a lot of cases, they're aimed at younger drinkers.

"We're not against pubs like the Old Bank - that's one of the best conversions you'll see. What we do object to is traditional pubs getting a new image for no reason, like the Manville Arms.

"Small back-street pubs are a drying breed. But they are aimed at a different market and can continue to compete - if they are given a chance. And it's important customers have a choice too."

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