Property round-up
Inn Collection Group adds 13th site, Punch buys seven pub package
The Inn Collection Group acquires 13th site
North-east-based operator The Inn Collection Group has added landmark Yorkshire coaching inn, the Black Swan in Helmsley, to its portfolio.
The deal follows the group’s purchase of the Pheasant in Bassenthwaite Lake, Cumbria, earlier this month, and grows its estate to 13 sites.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have added this superb venue to our collection,” The Inn Collection Group’s managing director Sean Donkin said. “We’re looking forward to investing significant capital into realising the full potential of this phenomenal site for the community of Helmsley and visitors to Yorkshire alike to eat, drink, sleep and explore from.
“We have a proven track record in re-purposing and enhancing historic inns and we’re looking forward to turning our attention to the Black Swan as we continue to widen our customer base, group presence and visibility across the north of England.”
Daniel Thwaites acquires two Lancashire pubs
Brewer and pub operator Daniel Thwaites has added Lancashire-based the Pendle Inn, Barley, and the Hare & Hounds, Foulridge, to its estate of around 250 pubs, inns and hotels.
“The Pendle Inn is a beautiful, country pub in a walker’s paradise,” Rick Bailey, executive chairman at Daniel Thwaites said.
“It has developed a great reputation and has just come through a very successful and busy Christmas period. We love the area and are excited about taking it forward and building on its already-excellent reputation.
“The Pendle Inn’s location, in the shadow of Pendle Hill, makes it ideal to join our growing family of outstanding properties in great locations.”
The deals for both the Pendle Inn and the Hare & Hounds – which was acquired from Administrators at FRP Advisory LLP in December – were brokered by leisure property specialists Fleurets.
Punch acquires seven pub package from Heartstone Inns
As reported by The Morning Advertiser, the operator of around 1,250 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales has completed the acquisition of seven pubs from Heartstone Inns.
Established in 2007, Heartstone Inns will continue to operate its remaining eight pubs following the sale of seven sites in the south-west to Punch.
“We are pleased to welcome these seven wonderful pubs into the Punch family and look forward to working together with our new publicans and their teams,” Punch chief executive officer Clive Chesser said.
“We would like to thank Heartstone Inns, who have been working closely with us to ensure a smooth transition for everyone. We have plans to invest in all seven pubs during 2020, providing them with industry-leading support to allow them to flourish, while ensuring they continue to operate at the very heart of their local communities. We will provide further updates as these plans progress, but in the meantime, the pubs continue to be open and trading as usual.”
Heartstone Inns managing director James Birch added: “We are delighted to have sold seven of our pubs to Punch. As a result, we can continue to develop and expand our remaining estate of large food-led managed pubs. We would like to thank our transferring staff for their loyalty and hard work and wish them, their customers and Punch the very best for the future.”
Robinsons reopens Red Bull after £200,000 revamp
Canal-side pub the Red Bull in Church Lawton, Cheshire, has reopened after a £200,000, six-week, renovation project by Stockport-based brewer and operator Robinsons and the site’s licensees Malcolm O’May and Gary Bate.
“The vision was to retain a traditional and relaxed feel throughout and create a pub that had a broad appeal for locals, destination trade and canal users,” Robinsons Brewery business development manager Wayne Roach said.
“The toilets needed upgrading and the function room required redecoration and refurbishment. The premises has been transformed without losing the character and charm of a traditional canal-side pub.
Red Bull licensee O’May added: “The refurbishment has been a great success and it is more like a total transformation than just a refurbishment. We are getting a lot of positive comments and the new universal access facility has proven a useful addition. People are coming for a look, liking what they see and enjoying the good food, good beer and friendly atmosphere.
“We are now all looking forward to a busy time as the weather picks up and folk can sit out in the beer garden and watch the canal boats.”
Admiral stumps up £100,000 to revamp Royal Oak
Having been closed between 6 and 20 January, Admiral Taverns is poised to reopen the Royal Oak in Brandon, Warwickshire.
“We have built the business on family values and great customer service,” Jonathan Rawbone, licensee at the Royal Oak, said. “This is what sets us apart from the other pubs and what attracts people to The Royal Oak.
“We take pride in our customers and the service we offer to them, and the refurbishment reflects our commitment to the community by keeping our guests happy and comfortable. We hope to see plenty of new and familiar faces following the reopening, sampling our warm and friendly hospitality.”
The pub will reopen on 24 January, with residents of the West Midlands village invited to enjoy a glass of complimentary fizz.
Admiral Taverns business development manager Rachael Dixon added: “It’s a pleasure to have worked with Jon and the entire Royal Oak family for the past few years. Their passion for the pub, its customers and how they bring their local community together is truly inspiring. We are thrilled to invest in this refurbishment and cannot wait to see what lies ahead for the pub in the new year.”
Shepherd Neame completes ‘major refurbishment’ of 16th century pub
Kent-based brewer and pub operator Shepherd Neame has reopened the Red Lion in the village of Charing Heath between Maidstone and Ashford, after an extensive makeover.
The transformation of the 16th century pub included the restoring a disused barn to create four new guest rooms – with work overseen by licensee Matt Hollis, who took over at the pub in August.
“I previously worked in landscaping, so this is my first time running a pub, but I grew up in Charing Heath and have lived here on and off all my life, so I know the Red Lion well,” Hollis explained. “When the tenancy became available, I went for it.
“The Red Lion is the only pub in the village, and I know exactly what people need from their local – a warm welcome, fantastic food and well-kept beer. And thanks to the extensive investment Shepherd Neame has made in the pub, it is looking better than ever. We have also already had a lot of interest in the guest rooms, so I think they are going to be really successful.”
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