Chestnut Expands Norfolk Portfolio with Acquisition of The Gin Trap Inn
The Gin Trap Inn in the North Norfolk coastal village of Ringstead, has become the latest acquisition for Chestnut, East Anglia’s fastest-growing hospitality business.
The acquisition consolidates Chestnut’s foothold in the region, through the addition of a further 16 bedrooms. This is the Group’s fourth Norfolk acquisition in 2024. In addition, Chestnut has opened The Maltings - a 28 bedroomed hotel in Weybourne (near Blakeney) with The Grain Store, a barn style restaurant and bar overlooking the sea.
Founder and Managing Director.
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The acquisition consolidates Chestnut’s foothold in the region, through the addition of a further 16 bedrooms. This is the Group’s fourth Norfolk acquisition in 2024. In addition, Chestnut has opened The Maltings - a 28 bedroomed hotel in Weybourne (near Blakeney) with The Grain Store, a barn style restaurant and bar overlooking the sea.
Founder and Managing Director.
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19/Dec/2024 12:43
Young’s unveils plans for new pub opening in Epsom Downs
In the new year, Young's & Co. Brewery P.L.C. will unveil the Tattenham Corner pub in Epsom Downs, following a comprehensive refurbishment.
Boasting views of Epsom racecourse and the surrounding Epsom Downs, the two-storey, 8,000 sq. ft. freehold pub was previously a Beefeater steakhouse. It has now been fully transformed into a premium destination pub and dining area.
Great attention is being paid to crafting a welcoming and warm environment that captures the essence of a traditional British pub.
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Boasting views of Epsom racecourse and the surrounding Epsom Downs, the two-storey, 8,000 sq. ft. freehold pub was previously a Beefeater steakhouse. It has now been fully transformed into a premium destination pub and dining area.
Great attention is being paid to crafting a welcoming and warm environment that captures the essence of a traditional British pub.
more »
19/Dec/2024 11:30
Liberation Group rebrands amid plans for 700 rooms
Liberation Group Rebrands as Butcombe Group to Focus on Pubs with Rooms Business.
The Butcombe Group will continue to encompass Butcombe Pubs & Inns, Butcombe Brewing Co, Butcombe Boutique Inns, Liberation Pubs & Bars, and Liberation Brewing Co. However, the company has announced that the Butcombe arm of the business will now be regarded as its “main driver of growth.”
Over the past seven years, the Butcombe Group has expanded its portfolio through acquisitions from Brains, Wadworth, and Cirrus Inns across the south of England.
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The Butcombe Group will continue to encompass Butcombe Pubs & Inns, Butcombe Brewing Co, Butcombe Boutique Inns, Liberation Pubs & Bars, and Liberation Brewing Co. However, the company has announced that the Butcombe arm of the business will now be regarded as its “main driver of growth.”
Over the past seven years, the Butcombe Group has expanded its portfolio through acquisitions from Brains, Wadworth, and Cirrus Inns across the south of England.
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17/Dec/2024 12:01
Greene King’s 1,400 community tables open to ease loneliness this Christmas
This December, over 1,400 Greene King-managed pubs will host a ‘Community Table’ day as part of the company’s ‘Closer Communities’ year-round programme. The initiative aims to support individuals who may be more vulnerable to loneliness, offering extra companionship and support during the festive season.
The programme aims to bring together up to 11,000 people with a free two-course festive meal, offering much-needed companionship to individuals within their local communities during the holiday season.
The initiative follows new research from the Eden Project.
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The programme aims to bring together up to 11,000 people with a free two-course festive meal, offering much-needed companionship to individuals within their local communities during the holiday season.
The initiative follows new research from the Eden Project.
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17/Dec/2024 11:21
Marston's profits soar in ‘transformational year’
Marston’s reported a rise in revenue and operator profit for the full year ended September 2024.
The pub operator recorded a 65% year-on-year increase in underlying pre-tax profit, reaching £42.1 million.
Marston’s, which operates an estate of 1,339 pubs across the UK, reported a 3% rise in revenue to £898.6 million for the full year, with like-for-like sales up by 4.8%.
During the summer.
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The pub operator recorded a 65% year-on-year increase in underlying pre-tax profit, reaching £42.1 million.
Marston’s, which operates an estate of 1,339 pubs across the UK, reported a 3% rise in revenue to £898.6 million for the full year, with like-for-like sales up by 4.8%.
During the summer.
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06/Dec/2024 09:59
Award-winning licensee takes on second Shepherd Neame pub
Award-winning licensee Amy Glenie has acquired her second pub with Shepherd Neame.
Amy Glenie, who has been running The Blue Anchor in Crowborough since 2018, is now expanding her portfolio with a second East Sussex pub, The Royal Sovereign in Bexhill-on-Sea.
This charming local pub enjoys a prime location in the heart of the coastal town, situated opposite the train station and just a five-minute walk from the seafront.
Her husband.
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Amy Glenie, who has been running The Blue Anchor in Crowborough since 2018, is now expanding her portfolio with a second East Sussex pub, The Royal Sovereign in Bexhill-on-Sea.
This charming local pub enjoys a prime location in the heart of the coastal town, situated opposite the train station and just a five-minute walk from the seafront.
Her husband.
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28/Nov/2024 08:35
Rocket Leisure secures £6.4 million funding to drive expansion
Rocket Leisure, a live music operator, has obtained a £6.4 million loan from digital bank OakNorth. The funding will be used to refinance an existing loan, purchase the freehold of its Venn Street location, and support the company's expansion with new sites.
Founded in 2010 by brothers Russell and Howard Taylor, along with their business partner Tom Jackman, the company has expanded to four locations covering 13,500 square feet. These include Venn Street Records and Northcote Records in Clapham, Old Street Records in Shoreditch, and Eastcheap Records in the City of London. Together, the venues host over 1.
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Founded in 2010 by brothers Russell and Howard Taylor, along with their business partner Tom Jackman, the company has expanded to four locations covering 13,500 square feet. These include Venn Street Records and Northcote Records in Clapham, Old Street Records in Shoreditch, and Eastcheap Records in the City of London. Together, the venues host over 1.
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28/Nov/2024 08:14
Mitchells & Butlers reports FY profit with sales reaching £2.6 billion
Mitchells & Butlers reported a full-year profit of £19 million, a significant turnaround from the previous year’s £13 million loss, driven by strong trading performance throughout the year.
This improvement follows total revenues reaching £2.6 billion for the year ended 28 September, up from £2.5 billion the previous year, with like-for-like sales increasing by 5.3%.
Operating profits surged by 41.2% to £312 million, boosting the pub group's operating margin to 12% by year-end, compared to 9% in the previous year.
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This improvement follows total revenues reaching £2.6 billion for the year ended 28 September, up from £2.5 billion the previous year, with like-for-like sales increasing by 5.3%.
Operating profits surged by 41.2% to £312 million, boosting the pub group's operating margin to 12% by year-end, compared to 9% in the previous year.
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27/Nov/2024 13:28
Site sales ensure a secure future for Oakman Group
The Oakman Group's future has been secured with the sale of two high-value premium pubs to McMullen.
The deal will see The Rose in Wokingham and The Polecat in Prestwood become part of McMullen's pub estate.
This follows a review of strategic options for Oakman, including a potential sale of the business and new investment. The proceeds from the McMullen deal will enable Oakman to repay debt maturing in January 2025, while also providing additional capital for ongoing investment in the business.
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The deal will see The Rose in Wokingham and The Polecat in Prestwood become part of McMullen's pub estate.
This follows a review of strategic options for Oakman, including a potential sale of the business and new investment. The proceeds from the McMullen deal will enable Oakman to repay debt maturing in January 2025, while also providing additional capital for ongoing investment in the business.
more »
21/Nov/2024 09:01
Electric Shuffle to open third London site in King's Cross
The competitive socialising brand Electric Shuffle is set to launch its newest location in London’s King’s Cross next year.
The cocktail and shuffleboard concept will debut its third London venue within the Coal Drops Yard development.
The 400-capacity venue will feature 12 shuffle table play areas, two bars, and an outdoor terrace.
Steve Moore, CEO and founder of Red Engine said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the Electric Shuffle experience to another cracking London location.
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The cocktail and shuffleboard concept will debut its third London venue within the Coal Drops Yard development.
The 400-capacity venue will feature 12 shuffle table play areas, two bars, and an outdoor terrace.
Steve Moore, CEO and founder of Red Engine said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the Electric Shuffle experience to another cracking London location.
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19/Nov/2024 08:39
Michael and Sasha Ibbotson Celebrate 25 years at the Durham Ox
Award winning licensee Michael Ibbotson is urging fellow publicans to fully focus on delivering as great a customer experience as possible in order to trade through the current challenges facing the sector. The advice comes as Michael and Sasha Ibbotson celebrate 25 years owning and running the acclaimed Durham Ox in Crayke, North Yorkshire.
The Ibbotsons have transformed the Durham Ox into one of the UK’s most respected gastropubs with rooms, offering a seasonally changing menu focused on fresh, local food, while retaining its standing as a much-loved village local.
Michael says: “The past few years have been an industry roller coaster.
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The Ibbotsons have transformed the Durham Ox into one of the UK’s most respected gastropubs with rooms, offering a seasonally changing menu focused on fresh, local food, while retaining its standing as a much-loved village local.
Michael says: “The past few years have been an industry roller coaster.
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18/Nov/2024 15:19
Michelin-starred Hinds Head offers special Classics Menu
The Hinds Head pub, which just won the hotly contested ‘Best Pub for Food’ in the Great British Pub Awards 2024, and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, now invites guests to enjoy a new menu on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The Classics Menu’s starters include exceptional versions of traditional dishes like Pea & Ham Soup with the original soft-yolk Scotch Egg; Mushroom Parfait; and Lapsang Souchong Tea Smoked Salmon.
Mains are similarly inspired interpretations of comfort classics such as Petit Salé of Duck.
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The Classics Menu’s starters include exceptional versions of traditional dishes like Pea & Ham Soup with the original soft-yolk Scotch Egg; Mushroom Parfait; and Lapsang Souchong Tea Smoked Salmon.
Mains are similarly inspired interpretations of comfort classics such as Petit Salé of Duck.
more »
15/Nov/2024 12:28
Vagabond Wines appoints Christophbell Giles new Managing Director
Vagabond, the wine bar business that boasts more than 100 wines for customers to explore and self-pour by the glass, has appointed Christobell Giles as its new Managing Director.
Christobell, who has served in the role of Acting General Manager since August, has been promoted to Managing Director with immediate effect. Her appointment comes following a thorough recruitment process led by the Board of Majestic Wine, which acquired Vagabond out of administration earlier this year.
Christobell joined Vagabond in March 2023 as Operations Director.
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Christobell, who has served in the role of Acting General Manager since August, has been promoted to Managing Director with immediate effect. Her appointment comes following a thorough recruitment process led by the Board of Majestic Wine, which acquired Vagabond out of administration earlier this year.
Christobell joined Vagabond in March 2023 as Operations Director.
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15/Nov/2024 11:38
All Bar One opens in Richmond
All Bar One is returning to Richmond on Monday, 18th November, bringing expertly crafted cocktails, tapas-style small plates, and a vibrant social atmosphere to South West London.
Located just opposite Richmond station, this new All Bar One is in the iconic venue where The Rolling Stones launched their career at the famed Crawdaddy Club. The renovations celebrate this musical history with an impressive picture wall on the first floor, highlighting the building’s former life. The interior redesign brings a contemporary elegance to the bar, with comfortable booth seating, parquet flooring, and ambient lighting in warm tones of blush pink.
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Located just opposite Richmond station, this new All Bar One is in the iconic venue where The Rolling Stones launched their career at the famed Crawdaddy Club. The renovations celebrate this musical history with an impressive picture wall on the first floor, highlighting the building’s former life. The interior redesign brings a contemporary elegance to the bar, with comfortable booth seating, parquet flooring, and ambient lighting in warm tones of blush pink.
more »
15/Nov/2024 11:29
Brewdog appoints new Chief Retail Officer
BrewDog has appointed Lisa Buckley as Chief Retail Officer and the company will place her in charge of the company’s expansive retail operations worldwide, with oversight across more than 120 bars and hotels. Her position on the Senior Leadership Team means she’ll be closely collaborating with CEO James Arrow starting from January 6, 2025.
Prior to joining BrewDog, Lisa was most recently CEO of Leisure TV Rights, the immersive activity venues company behind leisure concepts and formats that bring well known TV programmes including Ninja Warriors and The Chase to the general public. Lisa was previously Managing Director of Côte Brasserie and UK Operations Director of Wagamama.
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Prior to joining BrewDog, Lisa was most recently CEO of Leisure TV Rights, the immersive activity venues company behind leisure concepts and formats that bring well known TV programmes including Ninja Warriors and The Chase to the general public. Lisa was previously Managing Director of Côte Brasserie and UK Operations Director of Wagamama.
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13/Nov/2024 16:39
Blind Tiger Inns Leases 20th Pub from Star Pubs
North West pub company Blind Tiger Inns has secured its 20th pub lease with Star Pubs, expanding its portfolio to 22 locations.
Star and Blind Tiger are undertaking a joint £150,000 refurbishment of The Stanley Arms on Lancaster Road in central Preston, with plans to reopen it in late November. The renovation will create 10 new jobs and transform the historic Grade II listed pub into a premium social venue, featuring sports and entertainment, alongside an extensive drinks selection.
The refurbishment will overhaul the exterior of the building.
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Star and Blind Tiger are undertaking a joint £150,000 refurbishment of The Stanley Arms on Lancaster Road in central Preston, with plans to reopen it in late November. The renovation will create 10 new jobs and transform the historic Grade II listed pub into a premium social venue, featuring sports and entertainment, alongside an extensive drinks selection.
The refurbishment will overhaul the exterior of the building.
more »
11/Nov/2024 12:49
Bee Emmott is named as CEO of Artfarm
Bee Emmott is to take over as chief executive of Artfarm hospitality group starting 1 January.
Emmott will replace Ewan Venters, who has led the company until now, and will work closely with Emmott through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition before his departure.
Bee Emmott joined Artfarm in 2018 as chief of staff and later transitioned into the role of creative director, working with founders Iwan and Manuela Wirth to oversee the development of the group’s expanding operations.
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Emmott will replace Ewan Venters, who has led the company until now, and will work closely with Emmott through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition before his departure.
Bee Emmott joined Artfarm in 2018 as chief of staff and later transitioned into the role of creative director, working with founders Iwan and Manuela Wirth to oversee the development of the group’s expanding operations.
more »
07/Nov/2024 13:07
Chef Paul Welburn to leave the Cygnet restaurant at the Swan Inn
Paul Welburn, the chef patron of Cygnet at the Swan Inn in Islip, Oxfordshire, has announced plans to leave the restaurant
He has officially handed in his notice and will be leaving Cygnet at the Swan Inn in Islip in February 2025. He is set to pursue new challenges in Cornwall, marking the next step in his career.
Posting the news on Instagram, he said: “What a three years at the Cygnet. Achieved so much. Four months left cooking at the Swan then Cornwall bound... and I look forward to finding the next venture.
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He has officially handed in his notice and will be leaving Cygnet at the Swan Inn in Islip in February 2025. He is set to pursue new challenges in Cornwall, marking the next step in his career.
Posting the news on Instagram, he said: “What a three years at the Cygnet. Achieved so much. Four months left cooking at the Swan then Cornwall bound... and I look forward to finding the next venture.
more »
07/Nov/2024 12:20
Chickpea Group acquires its first Dorset pub
The Chickpea Group, continuing its expansion, has acquired the King’s Arms in Shaftesbury, marking its first location in Dorset.
Located in the heart of town, the pub dates back to the 17th century and has been closed since April 2023. It features a spacious open fireplace, adding to its historic charm.
The pub is undergoing a complete refurbishment, bringing in a rich color scheme of deep greens and reds, along with handmade blinds, tables, chairs, and plush soft furnishings.
While the opening date hasn’t been announced.
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Located in the heart of town, the pub dates back to the 17th century and has been closed since April 2023. It features a spacious open fireplace, adding to its historic charm.
The pub is undergoing a complete refurbishment, bringing in a rich color scheme of deep greens and reds, along with handmade blinds, tables, chairs, and plush soft furnishings.
While the opening date hasn’t been announced.
more »
05/Nov/2024 08:18
Greene King expands investment with two additional prison kitchens
Greene King has invested in two new training kitchens aimed at preparing more than 60 individuals leaving prison each year for employment opportunities.
The pub company and brewer is set to open training kitchens at HMP Onley in collaboration with New Futures Network and at HMP Perth in partnership with the Scottish Prison Service and Perth and Kinross Council.
This initiative supports the group’s commitment to hire 400 prison leavers by the end of 2025 as part of its Releasing Potential program.
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The pub company and brewer is set to open training kitchens at HMP Onley in collaboration with New Futures Network and at HMP Perth in partnership with the Scottish Prison Service and Perth and Kinross Council.
This initiative supports the group’s commitment to hire 400 prison leavers by the end of 2025 as part of its Releasing Potential program.
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04/Nov/2024 08:40