A popular Morecambe pub will soon be under new ownership, it has been announced.
Lancaster Brewery, who have owned The Palatine since 2008, has confirmed the sale of the venue to successful hospitality businessmen Lee and Chris Taylor-Hone, with the pub transferring to the new ownership at the end of the month.
The couple, who married in 2019, have 25 years of hospitality experience and over the past five years they have restored and developed two top rated guest houses in Blackpool, including Lee and Chris's Belvedere, and launched Rendezvous Bar (pictured below), now one of the most popular LGBTQ+ venues in the resorts Rainbow Quarter.
Having spent much of their leisure time over the past 18 months in Morecambe and Heysham, they have now taken the plunge on purchasing The Palatine.
The venue will become an independently owned free house, retaining its historic name and traditional feel. The relationship with Lancaster Brewery will continue, with Lancaster beers remaining on the bar alongside a wider range of visiting and local cask ales and craft beers.
Plans include a lively weekend entertainment schedule, midweek events shaped by customers, continued home cooked food, and the introduction of a coffee, cake and lunchtime menu.
Lee and Chris are keen to play an active role in the community, supporting local fundraisers and events for charities including Out in the Bay. They also hope to be involved with Morecambe and Lancaster Pride, Prom Fest and the Morecambe Music Festival, along with other appropriate events.
Their Blackpool businesses will continue to operate as normal following the takeover.
Managing Director of Lancaster Brewery, Phil Simpson said: ‘’We bought the pub in 2008 and carried out a full refurbishment from cellar to the top floor accommodation. At the time, it became one of the first pubs in Morecambe to offer a wide range of quality cask beers, helping raise the bar for choice in the town.
‘’Around ten years ago the site moved from managed operation to tenancy and since then, a number of strong operators have brought their own style and character to the pub.
‘’In 2025 we took the decision to focus fully on its managed estate and place The Palatine on the market. The sale is now progressing, with the baton passing in the first week of April.
“We’ve loved owning and operating The Palatine. It’s given us great beers, great pizzas, great bands and some memorable nights. Now feels like the right moment to pass it on.
‘’Chris and Lee are experienced operators who will invest, raise standards and bring new life to both the pub and the town.”
Lee and Chris take the reins from Richard and Marianne Verschoor, who arrived to manage the pub from South Africa in December 2024, after the venue had been put up for sale by Lancaster Brewery.
Phil added: “They’ve kept the bar in beautiful condition and run a tight ship. We’re grateful for the care and professionalism they’ve shown during their time at The Palatine.”
‘’We also thank the tenants, customers and community for their support over the and wish the new owners every success.’’
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