Greene King ploughs over £900k into Hive Pub

The site reopened under Greene King’s leased, tenanted and franchise division on Thursday 8 December. The investment was the biggest made yet by the pubco at a Hive Pub site. 

David and Natasha Riggs will operate the pub after leaving positions as experienced JD Wetherspoon pub managers. 

The new franchisees said: “Having managed successful pubs, we wanted to take the next step and run our own pub business.  

“With the low in-going costs, combined with guaranteed income and full support of Greene King, going down the franchise route was the obvious way to make our dream a reality.” 

The pub’s garden has been upgraded with beach huts, covered outdoor seating and wooden furniture. Outside, there is also now a bar and servery. 

Modern makeover

Inside, the pub has been overhauled with new lighting, furniture, décor and flooring to create a modern look. A sports area has been added to the venue with two dartboards and a contactless pool table. 

Greene King Pub Partners managing director Wayne Shurvinton said it was “really exciting” to bring talent like David and Natasha on board as franchisees to give them the chance to run their own pub business. 

The Victoria will have Sky Sports and BT Sport subscriptions and will run a live entertainment programme. 

What's on the menu?

Pub classics will be on offer at the pub, which will also stock a range of drinks from standard and premium lagers to ciders, stouts and ales, plus spirits, wines, soft drinks and alcohol-free options.  

Aimed at those with experience of running a pub, the Hive Pubs franchise agreement gives licensees a ready to trade pub within a proven branded concept for just £5,000 ingoing cost.  

Franchisees get a minimum guaranteed income of £20,000 which is paid weekly. They also get a percentage of food and drink sales. In addition, they get a share of the profits in their pub and can earn a bonus on top of this.