Heartwood Collection, previously known as Brasserie Bar Co, has recently acquired two new freehold pubs as part of its ongoing expansion strategy. The Plough and Harrow in Long Ditton, south-west London, and the Crown in Lichfield have been added to the group's portfolio.
These acquisitions align with Heartwood's goal to expand to around 60 pubs, featuring up to 500 bedrooms, by 2027. Originally founded by chef Raymond Blanc and Mark Derry, Brasserie Bar Co was purchased by Alchemy Partners in early 2022.
The rebranding to Heartwood Collection earlier this year was accompanied by a £100 million funding boost to support expansion in the premium pub sector. The company presently manages 20 Heartwood Inns pubs and 14 Brasserie Blanc restaurants across the UK. The Plough and Harrow is set to reopen in November after undergoing refurbishment, offering a seating capacity of 139 indoors with additional space in a landscaped garden.
The Crown, located in Lichfield, is slated to open in late January 2024 and will feature 128 indoor covers, along with semi-private dining and garden room facilities. A tiered courtyard with a heated pergola will provide an additional 74 seats for year-round dining. Richard Ferrier, managing director of Heartwood Collection, expressed excitement about the addition of these iconic pubs to the group and affirmed a commitment to long-term investment in both establishments.
Heartwood's expansion also includes the upcoming opening of its first pub with rooms, the White Horse in Dorking, Surrey, in early 2024, and the recent inauguration of the Black Swan in Henley in Arden, Warwickshire.