Historic Barrow-in-Furness hotel and pub sold to Dorbiere pub group

Located on Ocean Road, The King Alfred is a well-known hotel with popular bar, restaurant and function room as well as ten en suite guest bedrooms. One of the most prominent buildings in the area, the Victorian Gothic-style hotel opened in 1904 and is named after the HMS King Alfred ship which was built just across the Walney Channel.

The King Alfred has been purchased by Dorbiere, part of LWC, the UK’s largest independent drinks wholesaler.

Dorbiere is committed to investing in British hospitality by restoring and re-energising historic pubs that sit at the heart of their communities, with a strong presence across the North and a passion for creating welcoming, well-run venues.

Ebrahim Mukadam, Managing Director - LWC/Dorbiere, commented, “Dorbiere is proud to announce the acquisition of The King Alfred, a well-established venue in the south of the Lake District. With its rich heritage and prime location, The King Alfred presents an exciting opportunity to create a destination where locals and visitors alike can eat, sleep, drink, and enjoy themselves.

“Over the coming months, we’ll be working closely with our Head Chef, Nikki Irabor, to evolve the food offering, introducing new concepts, fresh cakes, and quality coffee, alongside extended kitchen hours. Our new General Manager, Alan Eddevane, will lead the transformation of the bar and wider business into a real community hub, collaborating with local businesses and charities, enhancing the drinks range, and launching a refreshed entertainment and live sports schedule.

“The venue also boasts ten letting rooms, which are currently being refurbished to offer guests a more comfortable and relaxed stay. Named after a ship built in Barrow-in-Furness in the early 1900s that served in World War I, The King Alfred is steeped in local history, and with Barrow now at the heart of a £9 billion government investment in submarine construction, the town’s future is just as exciting as its past.

“We’re thrilled to be the new custodians of The King Alfred and look forward to bringing new energy to this iconic venue while honouring its heritage and role in the community.”

Former owner Mike Mulgrew commented, “It has been a pleasure to play a part in the history of the much-loved King Alfred Hotel. We are grateful for the support of all our customers and guests, from near and far, and we have very much enjoyed our time as owners. We are delighted to hand the business over to Dorbiere who are committed to continuing to grow the business and be part of the vibrant local community, and we wish them the very best for the future.”

The sale process was managed by Graham Wilkinson and Marslie McGregor from specialist business property advisor Christie & Co, who commented, “We are delighted to have assisted Dorbiere with their latest acquisition, The King Alfred.

“The outgoing owners committed themselves to revitalise this well-known establishment and put it at the heart of the local community before retiring. We are pleased to have secured new owners who share the same vision and can continue to build on the first-class reputation that this popular hotel and pub has already achieved.

“Interest in The King Alfred was strong, and this demonstrates that operators continue to seek out high quality opportunities and are keen to invest in their portfolios. It also illustrates the interest in Barrow and the larger Furness area as further investment is made in the region.”

The King Alfred sold at an undisclosed price.

For further information on this press release, contact:
Jasmine Davis, Corporate Communications Manager
P: +44 7561 115179
E: jasmine.davis@christie.com

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