The Dirty Bottles in Alnwick has been sold to Greene King, ensuring its legacy continues while bringing new investment to the beloved pub.
The pub was almost turned into flats a decade ago. Thankfully, local entrepreneur Mark Jones stepped in to save it. He transformed the place and even added the former Oscars bar.
Recently, Greene King, a major player in the pub industry, bought The Dirty Bottles in a big deal. The pub was once known as Ye Old Cross Inn, but locals now call it by its current name due to the “curse of the dirty bottles.”
According to the legend, the innkeeper died while messing with the bottles in the window. His widow warned that anyone who did the same would meet a similar fate. So, those bottles have been sealed for 200 years!
Mark Jones expressed pride in turning a derelict building into a thriving venue. He’s created around 40 jobs and boosted the pub’s turnover to about £3 million.
He loves running The Dirty Bottles but is eager to focus on other redevelopment projects. Greene King’s estates director, Richard Smith, praised the pub’s rich history and modern vibe.
He aims to keep the pub’s success going while investing in its future. David Cash from Christie & Co, who handled the sale, noted the pub’s multiple income streams helped it thrive despite industry challenges.
This sale is part of a larger trend, showing there’s still demand for quality hospitality businesses, even in tough times.
