Phoenix Pub Group sets 120-site target

The business, which is led by managing director Declan Boyle, has operated since 1997 and includes a number of subsidiary companies including Premier Pubs, West Inns, London & Counties Pub Company, Tenderfoot and Enlighters. Phoenix Pub Group was created in April 2012 as the umbrella company.

Phoenix operates mainly wet-led pubs on tied leases with companies including Enterprise Inns, Punch and Greene King, along with some free-of-tie sites. About 70% are held on substantive agreements.

Operations manager Chris Cody, a former Admiral Taverns business development manager, said the
company has given notice on 17 pubs that don’t fit
its profile and wants to replace them “quickly with quality sites”.

Cody said: “Our ultimate goal would be somewhere in the region of 120 sites.

“With our operation we are structured to deal with that size of account base. That would be a three-year plan for us.”

Phoenix’s pubs are mostly based in London and the Home Counties. The company is now targeting East Anglia, and has recently secured leases with Wellington on the Railway Tavern at Framingham Earl, Norfolk, and the White Horse at Framlingham in Suffolk.

Earlier this year Phoenix appointed Steve Hall, former investment manager at Punch Taverns, as operations director.

Phoenix is looking for sites capable of turning over at least 300 barrels every year.