Mikhail Leisure Group to invest more into Southport
Mikhail Hotel And Leisure Group has already invested more than £10m into its Southport venues and now says more investment is on the way in 2026. Andrew Brown reports
Mikhail Hotel And Leisure Group is investing further in Southport this year as it looks to unveil new developments in the seaside town.
The firm has led the way in recent years, revitalising the northern end of Lord Street into the vibrant ‘Northern Quarter’. It has invested more than £10m into the town.
Mikhail specialises in taking over under-utilised landmark heritage assets and transforming them into top quality hospitality venues. The firm has created scores of jobs in Southport after first buying and then renovating The Bold Hotel on Lord Street.
The venue won the Southport Hotel Of The Year title at last year’s Your Southport Stars Awards, and is the oldest hotel in Southport, having welcomed visitors since 1832.
Other nearby sites operated by Mikhail Hotel And Leisure Group include The Grand, which originally opened in 1924 and later became The Grand Casino.
It also runs the Lord Street Hotel; Punch Tarmey’s Irish bar on Lord Street; Mavericks bar on Lord Street; and the Southport Market bar. In November the business reported a 21% rise in revenue to £20.7m.
This is a big year for Southport, with The Open golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club attracting visitors from around the world July 12 to 19.
Four brand new major events include Lightport (February 14 to 16), Cristal Palace (April 3 and 4), the Big Top Festival (May 2 and 3) and Books Alive! (May 24 to 31), adding to established local events such as Southport Flower Show, Southport Air Show and Southport Comedy Festival.
Major developments happening this year include the restoration of Southport Pier with £20 million of Government funding, the £10m creation of a new Town Hall Gardens and building work starting on the £73 million Marine Lake Events Centre.
Mikhail chairman Andrew Mikhail said: “2026 is going to be an incredibly exciting year for Southport. I am passionate about Southport and its future. It has huge potential to become one of the leading seaside destinations in the UK.
“Mikhail Hotel And Leisure Group has invested heavily into Southport in recent years and we are proud to operate some of the town’s busiest hotels, restaurants, bars and events venues.
READ MORE: 21 projects that will transform Southport in 2026
READ MORE: Brake disc maker reports rocketing revenues
“We are continuing to develop our portfolio and have some very exciting news to announce soon – watch this space. As a business we specialise in taking over landmark heritage sites and bringing new life to them.
“We have identified the next sites in Southport we are keen to develop. There have been lots of conversations taking place with Sefton Council, and we are very grateful for our excellent relationship and for their ongoing guidance and support.”