Batemans eyes managed growth

Batemans plans to grow its managed pub estate from three to 15 sites via acquisitions, focusing on a new ‘Beer & Bean’ concept.

It will be partly funded by the sale, for conversion, of disused outside space such as car parks at 15 pubs, MD Stuart Bateman told M&C Report.

Last week the company re-opened the Nags Head in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, as the Beer & Bean. Bateman said the concept includes “impulse purchase” food at the bar and back-bar snacks.

“We are extremely serious about acquisitions and most will have the potential to be managed houses and may or may not [be able to accommodate] caravans,” he said.

“The desire would be to have 15 managed pubs. Our ability to buy is good.”

The Lincolnshire-based firm wants pubs that generate £8,000 to £12,000 per week. Bateman didn’t expect the new pubs to take the Beer & Bean name but expected the concept to be adopted in the outlets.

So far planning permission has been secured to convert parts of the outside areas of four pubs.