A ST HELENS-based businessman has made a further addition to a rapidly expanding group of hotels and pubs by completing the purchase of Doctor Duncan’s in Liverpool City Centre.

The Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group has bought the historic pub, which sits in the shadow of St George’s Hall.

The company already has the Eccleston Arms and Punch Tarmey's in St Helens as well as venues in Southport.

The group took over the running of the pub on May 3.

Andrew Mikhail, chairman of Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group, said: “This is a really exciting time for us as a group as we continue to expand.

"We have always had plans to move into the city centre but we were waiting for the right venue and we truly believe that Doctor Duncan’s is that place.

"It is steeped in history and offers a great place to go for city workers and people enjoying a leisurely drink in great surroundings.

“While we can see what a good venue it currently is, we can also see huge potential for what it can become.

!We have a proven track record of providing excellent customer service in venues that are refurbished to the highest specifications.

"We are looking forward to working with the current staff and getting to know the customers and finding out how they would like Doctor Duncan’s to develop.”

There are plans to refurbish the pub in the near future while being sympathetic to the fabulous history of the building.

The pub, which is well known for its elaborately tiled interior, was built for Pearl Insurance in 1901 and is a listed building.

It is named after William Henry Duncan who was Liverpool and the UK’s first medical officer of health.

Mr Mikhail added: “There are further exciting announcements to be made regarding MHALG’s expansion plans in the coming weeks.

"This is just the tip of the iceberg for the group. We have big plans and we look forward to sharing the details soon.

“We have bucked the trend and been able to expand rapidly and we have done this by setting high standards across the group and we will continue to provide the perfect venues for people to enjoy their time in.”

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

It also owns the Punch Tarmey’s Irish pubs in Southport.