Greene King opens ‘milestone’ 30th Hive site
Greene King Pub Partners, the leased, tenanted and franchise division of Greene King, has announced the opening of its “milestone” 30th Hive Pub.
The latest addition to the Hive Pubs portfolio, the Essex Skipper, in Frinton, Essex, has benefitted from a £400,000 investment to transform the site.
Greene King partnerships and ventures managing director Wayne Shurvinton said: "Reaching 30 Hive Pub openings is another huge milestone for us.
“I am really excited for both the future of the Essex Skipper and the continued rollout of Hive Pubs in 2023.”
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Punch reopens south London site after £220k revamp
Pub operator Punch Pubs & Co has reopened the Robin Hood following a £220,000 investment.
The Sutton site in south London has undergone a complete internal and external refresh to enhance the pub’s traditional charm and features, which is located on West Street.
Punch said the pub’s atmosphere has been boosted by an “impressive, revamped menu”, prepared by the pub's new and highly experienced chef Phil Lowenski. The menu features dishes including slow-cooked lamb Wellington, hand-made steak & ale pie, and a Sunday roast.
Management partner Lowenski has experience in hospitality and Punch said he loves creating inclusive community venues that deliver excellent experience and value. Upcoming events planned to welcome guests include quizzes and karaoke in the newly refurbished function room along with community fundraisers in aid of local causes.
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One of Leeds’ oldest pubs acquired
Harrogate enterprise Three’s a Crowd will take on the Reliance, one of Leeds’ oldest pubs, in a six-figure deal.
This will be Three’s a Crowd’s second location and its first outside of its North Yorkshire hometown.
The Reliance is now closed and will reopen in February following further investment into its refurbishment. All 20 of the Reliance’s staff will be employed by the new owners and 10 new jobs will be created.
Three’s a Crowd owner John Quinlan said it was a “huge honour” to play a role in the Reliance’s story.
He continued: “The pub is more than just a venue, it’s an institution which I’m committed to upholding and keeping alive as we breathe new life into it. To commemorate this new chapter, Three’s A Crowd will continue to serve The Reliance’s bitter to customers old and new.
“Three’s a Crowd has gone from strength to strength since 2019 as we carved out our own cult following in Harrogate.
“Three’s a Crowd is a place where anyone can come and feel relaxed and welcome. I’m delighted to be investing in and expanding the brand into Leeds so our unique offering can be experienced in the city.
“What’s more, personally it’s a privilege to be taking the reins of The Reliance in the next chapter of our journey.
“It’s a venue that has been inspirational to so many business owners like myself – our dream is to continue the success built by Joss and Becs for the past twenty plus years as we build our second venue in this much-loved jewel of the Leeds gastro scene.”
Based on North Street and spread over two floors, the new Three’s A Crowd venue will seat up to 82 diners and will offer monthly events, tastings with locally sourced food and a bespoke, handpicked wine list.
Henderson acquires new venue
Hampshire-based Henderson Pub Co has added a new pub the Cricketers Inn, Alresford, Hampshire to its portfolio.
The venue is based just outside of medieval city Winchester. Chris Schutrups, founder of Henderson Pub Co, said the plan was to invest in the property and offer a food led, family and dog friendly venue at the heart of the community.
“We already have an experienced team ready to start at the Cricketers who have a proven track record of creating amazing experiences for our customers,” he added.
Four Dundas Heritable pubs hit market
Dundas Heritable has decided to place four public houses from its portfolio up for sale through Christie & Co’s Scottish Hospitality team.
The four businesses up for sale are the Scarecrow, Kilsyth; the Viking, Glasgow; the Willow, Greenock and the Boarding House, Howwood; are up for sale on an individual, part or group basis.
The freehold businesses will be sold with the current tenants in situ on varying leases, apart from the Viking which is currently managed.
Christie & Co regional director Brian Sheldon commented: “Having assisted Dundas Heritable over the years to assemble their estate, it’s a pleasure to be involved with the disposals.
“They have put together a group of quality establishments which will be of interest to both individual and group operators. We look forward to hearing from any interested parties.”
Historic city pub opens after makeover
The Sugarloaf in Cannon Street, central London, reopened at the end of last month (25 January) following an extensive refurbishment.
The Grade II listed pub includes distinctive curved and recessed corner detail that dates from the early 19th century.
Guests can enjoy pub classics including burgers, sharers and main dishes. Gins, cask and craft beer and world lagers also feature on the drinks menu.
The general manager said: “It’s a fresh new look but still keeping the traditional character”
Hydes ploughs £300k into pub
Hydes Brewery has reopened the doors of its popular Cheadle Hulme pub, the John Milington, after a £300,000 revamp.
The refurbishment of the Grade II premium dining pub in Cheshire includes a full interior overhaul encompassing redecoration, new furniture and fixtures plus a redesigned bar layout and more spacious dining and seating areas.
The interior modernisation has been carried out to complement the building’s listed status and heritage through retaining its original character.
A refresh of the exterior has also been completed.
Hydes Brewery managing director Adam Mayers said: “The John Millington is a great pub in an ideal location and continues to go from strength to strength. It’s great to see it re-open with an inviting brand-new look and feel, fully retaining the heritage of the building, which is very important to us and our customers.
“As a hugely appealing premium dining pub, which is just as popular with local drinkers, we’re confident that customers old and new are going to love this contemporary new look for an old favourite.
“As demonstrated last year, Hydes remains totally committed to all the pubs across its estate and this latest investment is part of an ongoing programme of planned redesigns and refurbishments.
“Providing our customers with a quality, memorable experience is top on our list of priorities and we’re confident they’ll want to return again and again to the John Millington.”
City centre bar comes to market
West Midlands-based bar 7 North Street in Wolverhampton has been brought to market by Fleurets.
The site is located in the corner junction of North Street and Blossoms Fold in the heart of the city centre.
The property, which is now available ot let, offers two separate trading levels and includes a central servery, open-plan trading areas and trade kitchen area.
Fleurets Midlands divisional director Andy Tudor commented: “The property is being offered to let on a brand-new lease for a minimum term of 10 years and presents a great opportunity given its location.
“North Street is adjacent to Wolverhampton Civic Hall which is due to reopen this June, while the city’s retail and office core are very close by as well as the university campus.
“The bar itself is fully equipped to be up and running straight away so would be well suited to an experienced operator.”
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