Red Oak Taverns makes fourth acquisition of 2023

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Multiple operator: the purchase is Red Oak Taverns' fourth single site acquisition this year (image: Getty/Cecilie_Arcurs)

Multi-site pub operator Red Oak Taverns has bought the Crown in Romeland, Waltham Abbey from McMullen’s, marking its fourth acquisition of the year.

The traditional pub is in the Epping Forest part of Essex in the market town of Waltham Abbey and hosts more than 70 covers across its internal and external areas.

There are plans in place to invest in improvements at the pub and it is operated by new tenant Nancy Tobias.

She said: “I’m looking forward to creating a family-friendly community pub with a new food menu and welcoming everyone back.”

Previous acquisitions

Earlier this year (February), Red Oak bought the Six Bells in Madeley, near Telford in Shropshire.

In the same month, the business bought two venues in the Midlands and one in the south west of England from Marston’s.

Just before that acquisition, Red Oak also exchanged contracts to purchase the freehold of the Thomas Wolsey pub in Ipswich.

The business was founded in 2011 by Aaron Brown and Mark Grunnell and now has more than 200 largely leased and tenanted sites.

Its estate is mainly concentrated in the south, south west, north west and the Midlands in England.

Local community

On the latest acquisition, Red Oak Taverns property director Graeme Bunn said: “The Crown is located in the centre of Waltham Abbey and is a traditional pub serving the local community.

“We are delighted McMullen’s chose to work with us in selling one of their assets.”

The multiple operator is continuing to grow its pub portfolio and is looking for single site and package deals to add to its free-of-tie and tied estate.

The deal was handled by Fleurets. Senior associate Elysia Wilson-Gunn said: “Delighted to have been instructed by McMullen’s [to] have sold the Crown public house to Red Oak Taverns, knowing it will be in capable hands and continue to operate successfully.”