GRS makes space for new big pubs.

GRS makes space for new Big Pubs

GRS Inns, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Punch Taverns, has unveiled plans for up to a dozen openings of its new concept, Big Pubs. But Punch has denied suggestions that it is developing a managed arm.

Big Pubs offer 'big value for money, giant food portions and larger-than-life entertainment'.

GRS managing director Duncan Ward said: 'A visit to a Big Pub is designed to be a 'big experience' in every sense of the word. These are quite literally big pubs, with large trading areas inside and out, plus plenty of parking. While the offer is all about promoting value, the pubs have an upmarket feel.'

The development team at GRS is using sites from the Punch Taverns leasehold pub estate, investing up to £750,000 in them and running them as managed houses.

The Big Pub concept has already been successfully applied to the former Gospel Oak in Acocks Green, Birmingham, now known simply as the Oak.

It is taking £15,000 a week compared with £4,000 before the refurbishment.

Big Pubs scheduled to open by April 2006 include sites in Barrow, Sheffield, Rotherham, Ipswich and Stoke.

GRS Taverns, which runs 105 Punch sites, operates as an autonomous multiple lessee.

It is also working on two other concepts including Baroma, a coffee shop by day and a cocktail bar at night, which has opened in Seaford, East Sussex.

And the first pub in a 'local gourmet' chain will open in Shropshire in March next year.

Francis Patton, Punch customer services director, said: 'We are not looking to develop a managed arm of the business. All we are doing is working out how to best use a number of sites within GRS.'