Kirkham pub not part of changes

Pub brewery Marston’s is to offload more than 200 pubs in a £90m deal that will see the sites turned into convenience stores and restaurants.

The disposal comprises 158 community pubs from Marston’s Taverns estate and 44 leased pubs, but this does not include Kirkham’s Bell and Bottle, on Blackpool Road, Kirkham.

The portfolio of mainly community pubs has been sold to property group New River Retail as it looks to meet high demand for residential store space from the major supermarkets.

Marston’s, which has 2,000 pubs as well as the Hobgoblin and Pedigree beer brands, will use the proceeds to slash its £1bn debt.

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