Shepherd Neame adds two sites to growing estate

16-Apr-2019 - Last updated on 16-Apr-2019 at 16:10 GMT

Latest acquisitions: Shepherd Neame has added the Compton Cross and Horse & Groom to its pub portfolio

Kent-based brewer and pub operator Shepherd Neame has announced the addition of venues in central London and Kent to its growing stable of pubs.

Britain’s oldest brewer, which operates 323 pubs across London and the south-east, recently unveiled the purchase of the Compton Cross, found on the corner of Soho’s Old Compton Street and Charing Cross Road where the grade II-listed pub has been trading since 1731.

The acquisition follows the addition of three Central London pubs – the Samuel Pepys, Blackfriars; the Savoy Tap found just off the Strand; and the Cheshire Cheese in Temple – to the brewer and operator’s portfolio in September 2018.

Discussing the Compton Cross, which becomes Shepherd Neame’s 37th pub in central London, Shepherd Neame’s director of pub operations Nigel Bunting commented: “We’re delighted to add this famous old pub to our growing London portfolio.

“It confirms our continued investment in interesting and unique locations, and represents another landmark pub for us in the capital. It also highlights our commitment to offering a great experience for our customers.”

A refurbishment project at the Compton Cross is earmarked for July.

Perfect fit

Shortly after the purchase of the Compton Cross was announced, Shepherd Neame revealed it had completed a deal for another pub and dining venue in its Kent heartland, the Horse & Groom in Wilmington, Dartford.

Bunting commented: “We’re delighted to have acquired the Horse & Groom. It’s a fantastic pub, with a great reputation for fresh locally sourced food in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

“As such, it fits perfectly with our portfolio of high-quality destination pubs and we look forward to building on its excellent reputation.

“There’s a great team at the pub, and customer service is something we really value, so we’re really pleased to have them on the wider team.”

The Horse & Groom follows Rockin Robin on the Green – a pub in Barming, near Maidstone, launched with award-winning microbrewery Rockin Robin – into the Shepherd Neame fold, and will be located within a short distance of a planned landmark pub hotel at the Ebbsfleet Garden City development in north Kent expected to open in mid-2020.