THE brewery which owns a Cheshire town pub says it has taken the venue off the property market in response to ‘popular customer demand’.

Joseph Holt, a family-run brewery based in Manchester, has confirmed that it will no longer be selling The Stonemill.

Located at Fordton Retail Park, Warrington, the only pub in Joseph Holt’s 127-strong state to have been built at a retail park, is only around a decade old.

But it was confirmed in May last year that The Stonemill, off Winwick Road on Sandy Lane West in Longford, was up for sale for £1.5million.

The ‘bright, airy and modern’ building was described in a Rightmove listing as a family-friendly pub, offering an ‘extensive food menu with superb beers’.

But in a change of heart, Joseph Holt now says the 130-cover pub is here to stay, owing to the fact that the pub’s popularity has soared since news of the sale was first released.

Mark Norbury, pub director from Joseph Holt, said: “The Stonemill was always a popular pub, but the company had decided to sell it in 2023.

“However, we believe strongly in listening to what our customers want – and it was clear they did not want us to sell.

The Stonemill pub is no longer listed for sale

The Stonemill pub is no longer listed for sale

“As the pub has gone from strength to strength, we are delighted to say it will remain within the Joseph Holt fold.”

The brewery says the pub, which has a beer garden and is an entertainment and music venue, with regular cabaret lunch sessions, is a hit for its freshly made pizzas from its in-house, stone-baked ovens.

But it previously said it wanted to sell due to the business looking to invest in more town centres and community-based areas.

Joseph Holt, which celebrates its 175th anniversary this year, says it is still committed to extending its portfolio, particularly in the heart of communities and town centres, but it chose to delist the pub due to customer demand.

Mark added: “We are always looking for new opportunities for our growing estate. But we also put our customers first.

“Since news of The Stonemill sale emerged, its popularity has soared, potentially because customers wanted to enjoy our award-winning ales, food and entertainment before it closed.

“Now, we are happy to announce there is no rush to do so – Joseph Holt’s Stonemill is here to stay.”