Regional focus on... The Home Counties
What the expert says: "We are starting to see operators that may have previously only looked in London, now move out to the Home Counties.
"Business rates have gone up pretty much everywhere, but particularly in London. Now operators are looking at what's worked well in London and seeing if it can work elsewhere.
"Corporate operators, like Loungers, Oakman Inns and Brewhouse & Kitchen, are seeing that if you give people a quality product in the Home Counties then the custom will follow.
"Generally, people are more likely to start in London or another major city, but some smaller operators that have one or two successful pubs in London may think that it is the time to get out.
"For example, those that have young families and want to get out of London see the Home Counties as a safe haven where you can offer similar quality food and drink as in London, but bring up a family in a more pleasant environment. They are seeing now as a great opportunity to get a good premium for their London property and get away from the capital.
"The right kind of property that is blessed with a good beer garden, is well located and has extensive parking will see strong competition both from multiple operators and new entrants to the trade.
"The demographics are good, so if you create the right product in the right location then the businesses can trade really well, so it's offering a good alternative to London where some operators are fearing that the market is saturated."
- Paul Breen, director for Savills' licensed leisure team
