A real ale hotspot in the city is being taken on by an up and coming city brewery.

Beer Brothers have stepped in to run the Mad Hatters after its landlord Alan Chester was taken ill on Monday (3 December) and remains in Chorley Hospital.

The Walton Summit-based brewery revealed they were planning to take on the Fylde Road bar in early 2019 but have now brought the new venture forward after discussions with Alan’s family.

David Reece said: “Our thoughts are with Alan and his family.

“On behalf of Beer Brothers Brewery and Bar we would like to wish Alan a speedy recovery and our thoughts and best wishes are with his family at this testing time.

“Hope to see you all soon in our new venture and as Alan would say ‘onwards and upwards’.”

Read more: These are the top real ale pubs in Preston as rated by CAMRA

The bar is being rebranded as PR1 Bar Preston is will be open from 5pm on Friday 7 December.

Did you drink in the Mad Hatters? Do you know Alan? You can leave your thoughts in the comments below