Salford-based brewer and pub retailer Hydes has received a glowing endorsement from members of its tenanted estate for its comprehensive support and flexibility.
The family-owned independent business has been praised by some of its longest standing tenants for the continued support it provides, including minimising rents and price increases.
Hydes, which celebrated its 160th anniversary in 2023, delivered a record turnover of £34.1m last year. The financial success came despite the most challenging economic conditions faced by the hospitality sector in decades.
With its brewery in Media City, Hydes was formed in 1863 and supplies beers to wholesalers, pub companies and other brewers throughout the UK and a pub retailing estate of nearly 50 pubs across the North West of England and North Wales. It currently has 14 tenanted pubs in its estate.
Tenants Mark and Chelly Jones have operated the Stanton House in Chirk, Wrexham since 2001. The popular pub, owned by Hydes, received an extensive refurbishment last year which revitalised the business, helping to boost turnover in 12 months.
The couple, who have worked closely with Hydes to successfully establish The Stanton House as a real community hub, say that investment from Hydes, together with ongoing support and advice, has reinvigorated the pub.
Additional recent investment from Hydes resulted in the pub hosting its first live music and beer festival in May. The festival was a resounding success and is expected to become an annual community event.
Commented Mark Jones: “The support we have received from Hydes, especially over the past five years, has allowed us to fully realise the potential this pub has to offer. We have the freedom to implement our own ideas, from homecooked food to planning events and entertainment, and can rely on Hydes to support us every step of the way. It’s a fantastic example of family-run businesses working very effectively together to deliver outstanding results. We have lots of scope to help shape our own success but we know we can rely on Hydes for their valuable input whenever we need it.”
Christine Cheetham, who has five decades of hospitality experience, has operated The Royal Hotel in Atherton, Greater Manchester since February 2003. She said: “The flexible financial support I’ve received from Hydes has been amazing, at a time when the entire hospitality sector has struggled and many pubs have been forced to close. Payment flexibility, competitive pricing and generous financial support have enabled us to make the pub a success despite challenging conditions including the pandemic, cost of living crisis and all-time high energy prices.”
In addition to providing competitive pricing on products and rent, Hydes supports its tenants in various ways designed to encourage success and boost financial performance. These include, access to extensive free marketing expertise and support materials; negotiated discounts on product ranges from reputable, trusted suppliers; one year’s free membership of the British Institute of Innkeeping; investment in new bar and cellar equipment; improvements of beer gardens and interior and exterior facilities; a dedicated operations manager and regular visits from Hydes’ managing director and head of operations, and preferential rates on Sky Sports & BT Sports amongst many other benefits.
Managing director of Hydes, Adam Mayers commented: “Running a Hydes pub means tenants can become part of a regional brewer that is one of the few still owned and managed as a thriving family business.
“As demonstrated by our longest-standing tenants, running a Hydes pub can be a rewarding and enjoyable way of life. Our experienced brewery support staff give all tenants full personal support and the space to run their own business as they see fit. The fact that some tenants have been operating our pubs successfully for 20 years’ shows that creating and maintaining strong working relationships is key to Hydes.
“We offer the freedom for tenants to run their own business, whilst being on-hand to provide support and expert advice whenever it is required. The best of both worlds is there for the taking: the freedom to realise their own personal vision, with the backing and resources of an award-winning brewer and pub retailer.”
With an existing estate of successfully managed houses across the North West, Hydes has many support departments available to tenants that other pub operators cannot offer.
Adam Mayers added: “We really enjoy building relationships with each of our operators and revel in seeing them achieve their goals. We’ll be there with the right kind of support when it is needed with a bespoke approach, tailored to meet individual needs across every area of the business. No matter what challenges arise, we ensure that someone is always on hand to provide valuable insight and expert advice to support them in maximising their business.”
To find out more about Hydes Brewery visit https://www.hydesbrewery.com/
