The Punch Bowl is up for sale at agents Jolley & Co. The online sales literature indicates the price is available on application, though I’ve seen a figure of £450,000 quoted on other property websites. The building is being marketed as  a potential development/investment site. [EDIT]: The pub is still currently trading.
What would you do with The Punch? Air your (sensible) suggestions in the comments below.
It’s a lovely building on the outside (I have to admit to never having been inside it) It would be a terrible shame if it ended up being knocked down. I’d convert it into apartments.
Apartments, restaurant, boutique hotel – the possibilities are many. It’s a shame to see pubs close though (even ones at the rougher end of the spectrum) – perhaps someone with an entrepreneurial bent could re-invent the place?
only kind if suits it’s intended purpose.
It is the site of the oldest public house in the village.
The original inn on the site was a small thatched building.
So I believe it should simply be retained as originally intended.
A bar/restaurant downstairs and hotel/B&B accommodation at first floor
The Punch Bowl has not been a successful pub for some years now, but it would be a shame to see this old Hoylake building disappear. I think a hotel would be a better use of the building, as despite the Kings Gap renovation there is still a shortage of hotel accomodation in this part of Wirral.
The lower cost option, demolish and build new apartments, would be my choice and I guess that of many property developers. Keep your eyes open, those who value the appearance of Hoylake!
The inside of the punch used to be lovely all wood panelling but not having been inside for may years don’t know if thats still in place. its a shame its become a bit of a rough house now as it used to be a great pub.
A hotel would be a great idea but would there be room for parking?
I dont think the Punch Bowl should be knocked down. It may not be the most prettiest of buildings but it is part of Hoylake and we are losing Hoylake very fast. The Stanley has gone, the Horn Archade has gone, The Parade school has gone the Baths the Bandstand the Cinemas even Heap & Partners incorporated in the old laundry down Newton and Lee has now gone. Not to mention Hoose Court although in place of the lovely old cottages it would not have been my choice but was is going up instead of them now. nor would the Scout Hut in Elm Terrace an eyesore if ever there was one been built instead of the little cottages. Please no more three storey flats, they are so ugly we do not want them, it seems no matter what the people of Hoylake want we do not get listened to.
So as regard to the Punch Bowl it is Hoylake please let us keep a little bit of what we know. How long before they decide we do not need two stations in Hoylake, hundreds of wine bars and restraunts popping up and just as many little shops popping down. Enough redevolopment in Hoylake let’s preserve it. PLEASE.
Like it or not The Punch is now one of Hoylake’s better looking commercial buildings with lots of character and original features – unfortunately all the others have been allowed to be knocked down by the planners. Although it’s reputation has been rather dubious I do think this building MUST be retained and not demolished. It could be the shining star of this neglected end of the village and the surrounding properties would certainly benefit too. High quality boutique accommodation/ restaurant and quality bar would be great for the village. This is a massive opportunity to raise the standards in Hoylake.
Along with most, if not all of those, proposing to pull it down, I was being ironic. The truth is that to make the most profit from the site, a developer will have to pull it down.
Before that, Hoylake’s local historians could try having it Listed.
BUT, at all times, keep your eyes on Planning Applications and lobby your Councillors with viable and sensible proposals. Respondents have said that they want to see it retained and converted and/or replaced by an hotel, restaurant, pub or apartments some of which are viable but all are sensible. Change is inevitable. Read earlier letters on the subject of change in Hoylake to see hot air being given vent.
Dear all,
As acting agent for the sale of the premises, I have conveyed the above comments to the overseas vendors.
We would agree that the building is attractive and should remain an integral part of the high street. The vendors are selling the premises because of other financial commitments but they would consider interest from parties seeking to lease/rent the premises.
Please fee free to contact me on 0151 214 0361.
Kyri Kyriacou
Head of Agency
Yes The Punchbowl is part of Hoylake’s History. Many people who want it to remain have not actually supported it by visiting it as a public house. It is not suitable for any business that requires lots of parking close by as there isn’t any. What about small shops boutiques and businesses and even a little market?
Perhaps we should all be realistic about this issue. Although personally I would like to see the building retained we have to think about the overheads any business will face if they take it on.
As an old proeprty the ceilings on the ground floor are very high and so the first thing I think about is the heating bill. I also wonder about the level of Business Rates payable plus other similar expenses.
One main point is that the place was built as a pub with small high windows to avoid anyone looking in. To redevelop it as a Market or some other retail type outlet would involve changing the whole frontage and sides of the building. Is that what everyone would be happy with? From my view point this would totally change the whole character of the building which would raise more complaints to Council/Planners etc.
I believe there are 3 options for usage;
1. re-open as a pub but change the whole ambiance and marketing strategy
2. convert to offices
3. demolish and build a new building but in a similar style of brick but including modern energy saving devices and consider installing solar or wind energy
My mum took this pub from a drug infested and wrecked place to a lively welcoming pub with a wonderful restaurant. I remember her making the little library at the back and many conventions taking place upstairs. It has great potential to run again and I personally think its a beautiful building. If I was in a position to buy I would do. I would like to register my position that the punch bowl should NOT be converted or knocked down. Taking this central and prominent building out of Hoylake leaves you with what; weather spoons and soulless reproduced shops. Money is not everything and I think some historian should apply for it to be listed.
I am researching the history of the pub. My ancestor Archibald Hughes supposedly ran the establishment in the 1800s. I have a copper serving tray from there. Could you provide me with any information?
I was in Hoylake last Tuesday when A young lady was measuring all around the pub and from accross the road. I asked her if she thought that the pub may be coming down, she thought that was the idea but couldn’t be sure. That was why she was measuring up I suppose but could be wrong though. We’ll have to wait and see I suppose.
Helen
I think shares in the building should be sold to locals and it put back to a use helpful to the community.
It could be broken into work and display units promoting things such as boat building, carving, art, music, Vikings , the list goes on. Bring back cultural enthusiasm and historical trades .
Tourism is the way forward and promoting skills must be encouraged.