Yates's

Yates's is a pub chain, founded as Yates Wine Lodge in Oldham, Lancashire by Peter and Simon Yates in 1884. The chain remained strongest in the North of England, though spreading nationwide.

History

It is Britain's oldest pub chain. Its motto was moderation is true temperance. Peter Yates (born 22 April 1854), the founder, came from Preston. He was sent to Spain to learn about wine, and his brother went to America to learn about business methods.

The first Yates Wine Lodge opened in Oldham in 1884. Peter died in 1944 aged 90. At one time, the company was based at 54 Carnarvon Street in Manchester.

In earlier times, it invented its own range of drinks which it called Blobs, which consisted of sweet Australian wine and brandy, (a fortified wine), sugar, lemon and hot water. The interior of the pubs had a Victoriana feel and look.

The late 1990s Britpop hedonistic era was (financially and culturally) the most lucrative time for the pub brand. This was also the introduction of alcopops, which supercharged Britain's pub culture, and benefited Yates's.