PUBS around Mid Cheshire could be set to close, according to a trade union.

More than 350 venues in the North West run by Stonegate Pub Company are at risk of pulling their final pint, GMB Union has warned.

That comes after the company issued a profit warning, with Stonegate stating there is no guarantee it can continue as it struggles to refinance a £2.2 billion debt.

However, Stonegate – one of the biggest pub companies in the UK responsible for brands such as Slug and Lettuce, Yates and Walkabout – is confident no venues will close.

A spokesperson said: “We are really pleased with the performance of the business in 2023, which included a sector-leading Christmas trading period.

“We have delivered a rise in revenue and a significant increase in profitability. We have been very clear that we continue to work towards achieving our long-term balance sheet goals, with the successful refinancing of a portion of our estate in December marking a significant strategic step towards this.

“We would also like to assure our employees and partners that no venues are at risk as a result of this process.”

Stonegate operates nine pubs in Mid Cheshire, including The Witton Chimes, Greenbank Hotel and The Blue Barrell in Northwich as well as both The Prince's Feathers and Top House in Winsford.

Over in Knutsford, Stonegate runs Lord Eldon and The Cross Keys Hotel.

Rounding out the list of nine is The Crown Inn in Lower Peover and Carters Arms in Wilmslow.

Despite Stonegate, owned by TDR Capital, remaining confident, GMB Union has written to Liam Byrne MP.

They have called on the chair of the Business and Trade Select Committee to recall TDR bosses.

Nadine Houghton, GMB national officer, said: "TDR bosses are private equity gamblers- playing fast and loose with people’s jobs and lives. 

“When their risky ventures go wrong, they swan off to their next project, leaving workers and communities to pick up the pieces. 

“Now, hundreds of much-loved pubs across the North West are now in serious danger of pulling their last pint. 

“It’s a disgrace.” 

The nine Stonegate pubs in Mid Cheshire

  • Lord Eldon - 27 Tatton Street, Knutsford

  • The Cross Keys Hotel - 52 King Street, Knutsford

  • The Crown Inn - Crown Lane, Lower Peover

  • Greenbank Hotel - 199 Chester Road, Northwich

  • The Blue Barrel - 69 Chester Road, Northwich

  • The Witton Chimes - 122 Witton Street, Northwich

  • Carters Arms - 22 Chapel Lane, Wilmslow

  • The Prince's Feathers - 281 Station Road, Winsford

  • Top House - 32 Wharton Road, Winsford