Hotel owners purchase second Lancaster property

The owners of an award-winning Lancaster hotel have acquired a new venue.

Hannah and Martin Horner, owners of The Borough on Dalton Square, have acquired the Britannia Hotel, Ullswater Road, also in Lancaster, with business partner Rory Walker.

Refurbishment is now complete, and the venue is now trading under its new ownership. The Britannia offers craft beers including the Borough Brewery’s own creations, and artisan pizzas.

Hannah and Martin acquired The Borough in 2006, quickly making a success of the city centre venue. The hotel has now been given a number of awards including being voted the best pub in Lancaster by readers of a local newspaper.

Since then the pair have expanded their business interests, opening The Lodge at Slyne with Hest near Lancaster, in 2015.

Meanwhile, the Borough Brewery began operating from the basement of The Borough in 2012, co-owned with head brewer Rory Walker.

Recently the brewery won gold at the SIBA North West awards in the pale ale category, and is now based in its own premises off Aldcliffe Lane in Lancaster where it will produce an estimated 75,000 pints of beer this year.

Before starting their own business with The Borough, Martin and Hannah had worked in the leisure and hospitality sectors for a number of years. Martin co-owned five nightclubs across the North West with his brother, and Hannah worked for the renowned 60 Hope Street restaurant in Liverpool.

Martin Horner said: “The Britannia is in a great location and we knew we could make a success of the venue, continuing our tradition of offering a big selection of craft ales and quality food. It is already trading well above expectations and we look forward to welcoming customers new and old.”

Sophie Coane, commercial property solicitor in the Leisure & Licensing team at North West law firm Napthens, advised Martin and Hannah on the transaction. Sophie said: “Martin and Hannah have built up a successful and respected business in the city and it’s great to see them expanding.”