Mincoffs Solicitors has helped save more than 300 jobs by acting for Popolo Leisure Limited in the purchase of former Principle Leisure premises.

Principle Leisure went into administration last April and this deal sees half of the former pub and restaurant group saved from closure.

Popolo Leisure Limited, based in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, has bought Popolo Newcastle, Popolo Sheffield, San Lorenzo Gosforth and Cramlington and Establishment in Sunderland.

Former Principle Leisure managing director Stuart Young has been retained by Popolo Leisure to look after the new premises.  Stuart has been running the premises on the administrator’s behalf since Principle Leisure went into administration.

Stuart says the group has plans to grow in the future “when the right opportunities present themselves and the directors feel they are worthwhile.”

Mincoffs Solicitors were praised by administrator Andrew Haslam for “their unwavering efforts to overcome the challenges faced given the current economic climate.”