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Photos of Wigan
Photos of Wigan



Photo-a-Day Archive
Photo-a-Day Archive

Photo-a-Day  (Thursday, 12th February, 2015)

Holts Arms


Holts Arms
The recently closed Holts Arms aka The Foot.

Photo: Darren Atherton  (Sony Cybershot)
Views: 4,387

Comment by: Jonno on 12th February 2015 at 00:17

Nice pic Darren, i didn't know The Foot had closed, what a pity, a nice homely and warm pub.

Comment by: Alan (on Vancouver Island) on 12th February 2015 at 02:53

That's a beautiful picture, but why is it closed ? It was one of my "locals" many years ago. On this side of the Atlantic Ocean they are building replicas of British pubs all the time, but over there they a closing them down. What is happening to the world ?!!!

That is a very sad scene, albeit a very beautiful photo.

Comment by: frank. on 12th February 2015 at 05:45

looks like the film Holiday Inn.

Comment by: Aubrey on 12th February 2015 at 08:10

A nice photo of a picturesque pub. The snow does add something to it. Hope the bowling green stays.

Comment by: Giovanni on 12th February 2015 at 08:17

I know this pub very well. Originally called Foot O'er Causeway and is located start of Crank Road opposite Billinge hospital. Ideal meeting place before going to dances in hall next door in the 60's.
Great shot by the way!

Comment by: Maureen on 12th February 2015 at 08:19

That's a lovely shot of a lovely building Darren..how sad it isn't being lived in and loved.

Comment by: Rev David Long on 12th February 2015 at 08:54

It is closed because the brewery, Marstons, have raised the rent by so much that its tenants thought they could no longer get a decent living out of it. So it's up for grabs:
http://www.daltonsbusiness.com/pubs-for-sale/leased-partners-opportunity-holts-arms-billinge-merseyside-uk/363016
The folk at the Dicconsons Arms at Dangerous Corner, owned by the same brewery, also threw in the towel in similar circumstances. It is now to become an Italian restaurant. We've been there a few times since buying our house in Standish, and thought it excellent value, a place to take anyone for a treat, so were sad to see it change hands, and menus - it was very good for fish dishes.
Raising rents on pubs when numbers going to them are going down doesn't seem like a good business model - but the Dicconsons soon had new tenants, who seem to be spending lots on a massive refurbishment/ alterations, so the brewery must have found it pays, one way or another.

Comment by: peterammy on 12th February 2015 at 08:59

yes closed again due to the brewery making excessive charges for beer from the managers.

Comment by: harry bowler on 12th February 2015 at 09:08

Foot opens again this week

Comment by: Darren on 12th February 2015 at 09:45

Rumours around it might reopen. But still no sign of life around the pub.

Comment by: Giovanni on 12th February 2015 at 10:07

I forgot about the bowling green at the back Aubrey.
Spent many a balmy summers evening playing bowls!

Comment by: A.W. on 12th February 2015 at 10:07

The pubs are all closing because nobody can afford to go in them nowadays, it is much cheaper to buy drink at the supermarkets and drink at home. It is very sad, many very old locals have closed in recent years.

Comment by: kath on 12th February 2015 at 10:47

black and white - really lovely!

Comment by: Christine roberts on 12th February 2015 at 13:54

Beautiful photo has anyone noticed over the door top right side window looks as though there is a light on ?

Comment by: Christine roberts on 12th February 2015 at 13:59

Sorry about the mistake I mean the right window over the HOLTS ARMS

Comment by: Peterp on 12th February 2015 at 16:34

AW too true 24/36 pint cans about £20/25. Same ale in a pub about £45/60 no contest.

Comment by: irene roberts on 12th February 2015 at 19:28

Kath, the photo isn't black-and-white. It's just the black-and-white building and the snow which makes it look so. If you look at the chimney, it is reddy-brown bricks. Christine, there IS a light on.....this pic was taken when the pub was still open. Doesn't it look lovely and welcoming?

Comment by: Maureen on 12th February 2015 at 20:08

It looks really lovely..a very nice shot.

Comment by: Lizziedownunder on 12th February 2015 at 20:33

Beautiful photo Darren....makes me feel all cool in these hot temps we are having here in Adelaide....cheers!!!

Comment by: Neil Cain on 12th February 2015 at 20:53

Harvey the dog was a star

Comment by: Christine roberts on 12th February 2015 at 21:06

Thank you Irene for your reply ,and it doe's look lovely and welcoming photo

Comment by: Giovanni on 13th February 2015 at 09:21

I remember my first pint (mild) costing one and six (seven and half pence). Bitter was dearer at one and nine. I went to a club and was charged two and six (twelve and half pence) for Whitbread Trophy. I went into one with the barman. Wish I could buy beer for those prices now.lol

Comment by: christine on 18th February 2015 at 19:42

had many a good night in there lovely bowling green ,quiz night were good ,and the meals were good and a decent price ,till they started going up .shame its closed unless something as happened since

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