Where the 80 Manchester pubs at risk of closing are as chain reveals £2bn debt - full list

The UK's largest pub chain, which operates Slug and Lettuce bars and smaller venues, has revealed that it is grappling with £2.3bn in debt that it is struggling to refinance, potentially putting more than 4000 venues across the country at risk - including 80 in Greater Manchester.

It has been a turbulent few years for the hospitality industry and in September of last year, Stonegate Pub Company announced plans to introduce surge pricing in a bid to cover rising costs, but in a recent business filing, it has emerged that its large pile of debt has created a “material uncertainty that casts doubt on the company’s ability to continue."

Reactions to the news that the UK's largest pub chain was facing issues servicing its debt were mixed, with some saddened by yet more bad news for the struggling hospitality sector, while others vented frustrations they had with the business. Manchester Evening News reader Steve said: "Deciding to charge people more for drinks at busy times worked out well then," while Laila said: "They shouldn’t have stopped doing the sharing platters, I can imagine that’s when their sales plummeted."

READ MORE: Slug and Lettuce chain's future in doubt over massive £2bn debt

Responding to our earlier story, David McDowall, CEO of Stonegate, said: “I am 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.

"Our all-round performance exemplifies the strength and depth of the Stonegate estate, with our outstanding Craft Union and L&T divisions continuing to lead the way. This is testament to the hard work of our people and partners, but also to the success of