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A grade-II listed pub in the heart of Preston is on the market.
The Old Black Bull in Friargate has been put up for sale by brewery Greene King.
The pub continues to trade as normal despite being on the market with a price of £375,000.
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The distinctive pub needs ‘freedom’ for how it operates according to the Central Lancashire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
Chairman of Central Lancs CAMRA Adrian Smith told Blog Preston: “Back in the days when it was owned by Boddington’s, this was one of the finest pubs in the city. Less than ten years ago, the Old Black Bull was still one of the top pubs in the branch from a real ale perspective.
“When Stan Eaton had it, it was renowned for the wide range of beers and their quality, and it was a regular entry in our Good Beer Guide. Since Stan retired, the pub has very much lost its way, with a number of changes of licensee and operator.
“This has led to a reduction in the availability of cask ale and unpredictable hours. It is not surprising that once again the owners are looking for a tenant or possibly to sell it outright.
“We can only hope that someone comes along with enough money to buy the pub and the vision to turn it into a venue worth visiting. The potential is there, but it needs the right people and the freedom to do things their way to make it work.”
Beer fan account – A Beer In Preston on X – has also joined calls for a transfer in ownership.
They said: “Greene King have given up on Friargate’s Old Black which is now available completely ‘free of tie’ lease wise or outright purchase.
“Great location, lovely building, but one that’ll need money thrown at it. So it’s either a different pubco or random rich folk.”
A spokesperson for Greene King said: “The Old Black Bull is currently open and trading like normal. However, we are exploring all options available to us for the future of the pub. We look to be able to share more information in the future.”
The pub was built around 1900 and has distinctive black-a-white Tudor style timbering on the outside and decorative tiles inside.
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