NewsDigest

Merchant Inns, the company headed by veteran entrepreneur Robert Breare, has opened its sixth site in Ripley, Surrey. The food-led inns operator purchased the Talbot at Ripley off a guide price of £3.75m and it opened at the end of June. The 15th-century coaching inn is currently trading, but a £3m refurbishment is planned - including the addition of 30 bedrooms. Michelin-starred chef Rob Clayton has designed the menu.

London-based operator Young's has reported a strong start to the year. Sales at pubs opened this year are up 15.4% and up 6.3% at existing managed houses on a like-for-like basis. The operator said it was impossible to distinguish between the impact on current trading of the smoking ban and the recent bad weather. "We remain on track to meet our growth expectations for the year," said chairman Chris Sandland.

Marston's Inns and Taverns has been ordered to close two of its smoking shelters in Worcester by council officials. Environmental health officers deemed that the shelters at the Oak Apple and the Blackpole Inn breached regulations on being 50% open. "Marston's surveyors are in discussion with the licensing department to meet the changes needed in order to re-open the areas again," said a spokeswoman for the pubco.

Multiple operator Peach Pub Company has scooped two awards at the Midlands and East England National Business Awards. Peach won awards for Customer Focus and Corporate Social Responsibility and will now progress to the final. The operator was presented with the awards at a dinner at Chesford Grange, Warwickshire.

There is still time to enter the competition to win the advice of a senior development chef, courtesy of Brakes. The winning pub will receive advice on how to boost profit and sales from food at their pub. The deadline for entries is Monday 16 July. Visit www.morningadvertiser.co.uk for details on how to enter your pub into the competition.