A ST HELENS businessman has added another landmark Liverpool building – this time in the trendy Baltic triangle area – to his portfolio of venues.

The Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group has snapped up the Brewery Tap at the site of Cains Brewery on Stanhope Street.

It was just over a month ago that the group announced that it had made its first move into Liverpool by completing the purchase of Doctor Duncan’s pub on St John’s Lane.

The group, chaired by Andy Mikhail, took over ownership of the Brewery Tap at the beginning of last week but closed for a few days for a mini refurbishment before opening its doors on Thursday.

It is being managed by Dominic and Fiona Hornsby, who bring with them many years of experience as well as being local, regional and national award winners in the licensed trade.

This is the latest acquisition for the Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group which has The Eccleston Arms and Punch Tarmey's in St Helens.

A brewery tap is the nearest outlet for selling a brewery’s beers so for many years, this bar served pints that came from the neighbouring Cains brewery.

Mr Mikhail, chairman of Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group, said: “Cains Brewery Village is undergoing a huge resurgence and we are really excited to be part of this.

"It’s a really busy, vibrant part of the city and we are looking forward to playing a part in the future of the village.

“Over the past couple of years, people have come to know what to expect from the venues that we own; great customer service and high quality products, from a pint to a hotel stay.

"The Brewery Tap will fit into that and will offer a great night out in the heart of Liverpool.

“This pub is steeped in history and has something unique to offer and we look forward to meeting customers old and new.”

Fiona Hornsby is a former Cains licensee and area manager before spending 15 years with Okells Brewery as Licensee of Rigbys and business development manager for the UK pub division.

Dominic Hornsby is also a former Cains Licensee before moving to Okells Brewery as licensee of the Fly in the Loaf.

The Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group also owns the Bold Hotel, Southport and is opening Lord Street Hotel and wine and champagne bar in Southport in July 2018.

Mr Mikhail continued: “We promised last month that there are further exciting announcements to be made regarding MHALG’s expansion plans in the coming weeks.

"This is one of them but there is much more to come in the next few weeks and we look forward to sharing the details soon.”