Historic Manchester pub The Britons Protection appeals for help as future hangs in balance

One of Manchester’s most iconic boozers has appealed for help from the public as its future hangs in the balance.

Britons Protection, which is believed to have opened all the way back in the late 1700s under the moniker The Ancient Britain, has become one of the most recognisable and beloved pubs in the city at its spot on Great Bridgewater Street.

Over the years, it has acquired a 360 bottle-strong collection of world whiskies, and even featured in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide thanks to it’s wide selection of Manchester-brewed drinks.

@manchesterpubpioneer / Instagram

Despite the pub’s popularity, however, its future is uncertain due to Star Pubs – owned by Heineken – wanting to take back control of the building.

As it stands, the pub is currently run as ‘market rent only’ (MRO), meaning only rent is paid to the landlord (Star Pubs) while alcohol can be sourced independently.

However, Star Pubs have opted to take the pub back into their managed house portfolio, meaning that the current landlord needs to appeal for a renewal of the lease to stop them from taking the pub back.

In a social media post, the pubs owner warned that ‘it will not be the same Manchester institution as you know it’, explaining: “We need your help! We are looking to get support from the local community to help us keep the Briton’s Protection the pub we know and love.

@thebritonsprotection / Instagram

“Heineken (Star Pubs) have opted to take the pub back into their managed house portfolio. We now have to fight for renewal of our lease and stop them from taking the pub back.

“If they do it will not be the same Manchester institution as you know it.

“We have put 10 years of passion into maintaining what this pub is known for and doing it well.”

The statement went on to claim that Heineken ‘does not have the portfolio to support the offering that makes this pub unique’, or the ties to community that have been built over the years.

@thebritonsprotection / Instagram

The post concluded: “It would be devastating to us and the local community to see It been made into another clinical bar.”

The owner explained that, while he has the support of a number of local institutions such as CAMRA, the Manchester Whisky Club, The Peterloo Society and local MP Lucy Powell, they need ‘every patron to rally behind us and keep the Britons the pub we know and love.’

The owners will be launching a petition within the next week, so make sure to keep an eye on their Instagram page for any updates. 

Or better yet… Get yourself down for a pint and support your local.