PUBS and other nightspots around Chester and Ellesmere Port 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 many venues in the Chester and Ellesmere Port area.

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.” 

Stonegate pubs/restaurants/nightspots in Chester and Ellesmere Port

  • The Cross Foxes, 21-25 Boughton, Chester CH3 5AF
  • Slug & Lettuce Chester, 44 Bridge Street, Chester CH1 1NQ
  • The Old Queens Head, 97 Foregate Street, Chester CH1 1HE
  • City Tavern, Frodsham Street, Chester CH1 3JL
  • The Shropshire Arms, 45 Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HQ
  • Off The Wall,12 St John Street, Chester CH1 1DA
  • Music Hall Tap, 2-3 Music Hall Passage, Chester CH1 2EU
  • Popworld Chester, 12-16 Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HA
  • Rosies Chester, 12-16 Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HA
  • Fiesta Havana, 39-41 Watergate Street, Chester CH1 2LB
  • Rigger, Ince Lane, Elton, Chester CH2 4LU
  • Shrewsbury Arms, Warrington Road, Mickle Trafford, Chester CH2 4EB
  • Greyhound Inn, Seahill Road, Saughall, Chester CH1 6BJ
  • Egerton Arms, Hermitage Road, Saughall Chester CH1 6AF
  • The Brewers Arms,164 Liverpool Road, Chester CH2 1BD
  • Bridge Inn, 111 Tarvin Road, Chester CH3 5EF
  • Black Dog, Whitchurch Road, Waverton, Chester CH3 7PB
  • Straw Hat, Hope Farm Road, Ellesmere Port CH66 2BH
  • Olde Red Lion, 307 Chester Road, Little Sutton, Ellesmere Port CH66 1QQ
  • The Gunners Arms, Thornton Road, Ellesmere Port CH65 5HN
  • Seahorse, Hope Farm Road, Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port CH66 2NP
  • Nags Head, Hooton Road, Neston CH64 1SJ
  • Queens Head, 92 Main Street, Frodsham WA6 7AR
  • Town Crier, City Road, Chester CH1 3AE