Independent Operators

Flawed plans: William Lees-Jones says autumn Budget was anti-business

Budget blasted as 'anti-business'

By Ed Bedington

A leading family brewer has blasted the Budget as “anti-business” and left his seventh-generation business facing the “greatest challenge of our lives”.

Norfolk pub launches viral Christmas card

Pub to rival John Lewis with Christmas spoof

By Ed Bedington

A Norfolk-based pub operator is hoping to go head to head with John Lewis on the Christmas advert front with the launch of its own video card for customers.

Sweat your assets: Dianne Irving says the brunch crowd have departed before the regular afternoon trade begins

OPINION

OPINION: Find something to fill the traditional ‘down time’

By Dianne Irving, operator of Drouth Ltd sites the Crown Inn at Stanwix and the Milbourne Arms, Carlisle

I own two good old-fashioned boozers, both of my which were built in the Victorian era and have survived many changes over the decades and years.

What's in the news 25 October?

Review of the Week

'They're making an enemy of us'

By Ed Bedington

The MA's Ed Bedington caught up with Our Yummy Collection founder Anthony Pender to get his take on the week's news.

Changes at the top for Beds & Bars management

Beds & Bars top team changes as Roberts steps down

By Ed Bedington

Beds & Bars, the leading backpacker hostel, pub and bar operator, has announced a top team shake up following the announcement that managing director Murray Roberts is taking retirement.

New opening: Cahoots: Postal Office opened in October (image: Johnny Stephens)

Cahoots: Postal Office 'first of many'

By Nikkie Thatcher

The latest opening from multisite operator Inception Group is the 'first of many', co-founder Charlie Gilkes told The Morning Advertiser.

Group name change: the group's brands will retain their names. Pictured is Revolucion de cuba in Manchester

Revolution Bars Group changes name

By Gary Lloyd

Revolution Bars Group, which operates more than 60 sites mainly under the Revolucion de Cuba, Revolution and Peach Pub brands, is changing its name to The Revel Collective.

New opportunity: Thornbridge & Co to open first London pub

Thornbridge & Co to open first London pub

By Phil Mellows

Thornbridge & Co, the joint venture between Derbyshire brewer Thornbridge and wholesaler and bar operator Pivovar, is to open its first pub in London.

Success: Tamworth Tap awarded Freeman of the Borough by council (Pictured: George and Louise Greenaway being presented with the honour / Credit: Tamworth Borough Council)

Tamworth Tap awarded Freeman of the Borough

By Rebecca Weller

The owners of Britain’s Best Beer Pub have been awarded Freeman of the Borough in recognition of their innovative entrepreneurship and championing of their local area.

Marston's results: food sales have been particularly encouraging

Marston’s reports 5.8% boost in retail sales

By Gary Lloyd

Marston’s has stated the sale of its 40% share in Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) has been a contributory factor in strong results for the 52 weeks ended 28 September 2024.

Increased sales: Armado Lounge in Plymouth

Loungers lfl sales grow by 4.7%

By Gary Lloyd

All-day bar-café-restaurant brand Loungers has announced a 4.7% leap in like-for-like (lfl) sales in its trading update for the 24 weeks ended 6 October 2024.

Private ownership is key to success: Duncan Stirling and Charlie Gilkes

Inception Group predicts record-breaking 2024

By Gary Lloyd

Inception Group, which operates brands including Mr Fogg’s, Cahoots and Bunga Bunga, expects to deliver record-breaking revenues of £29m for 2024 if forecasts bear out.

MA Leaders Club: Today's event will see delegates take to the streets of Oxford (Credit: Getty/Nikada)

MA LEADERS CLUB

MA Leaders Oxford happening today

By Rebecca Weller

The MA Leaders club will be taking to the streets of Oxford today (Wednesday 2 October).

Farewell: BrewDog Bars CEO James Brown is expected to reveal what he will do during the next few days

BrewDog Bars CEO James Brown steps down

By Gary Lloyd

BrewDog Bars CEO James Brown has announced he is stepping down from his role at the Scottish brewer and pub operator and will be unveiled as CEO of casual dining chain Prezzo on Thursday (26 September).

Well-invested site: the Langton Arms in Leicestershire has received capex from operator RedCat

RedCat to invest £8m into its estate

By Gary Lloyd

RedCat Pub Company, founded and chaired by Rooney Anand, is rolling out an £8m capital investment programme across its estate during the upcoming six to 12 months.

What's in the news 20th September?

Review of the Week

'Hospitality needs to be taken seriously'

By Ed Bedington

The MA's Ed Bedington caught up with Great British Pub Award winner Joe Buckley of the Tollemache Arms to get his take on the week's events.

Blind Tiger Inns business profile

Business profile: Blind Tiger Inns

By Nikkie Thatcher

Wet-led, community pub operator Blind Tiger Inns is based in the north-west of England. Managing director Chris Tulloch gives an overview of the growing business.

Significant takeover: Work has begun on Boxpark's new site in Camden

Boxpark Camden to open this month

By Rebecca Weller

Food and retail park firm Boxpark has confirmed its new site in Camden, London will open later this month.

The MA Top 100 Pubcos report lead story with link

THE MA TOP 100 PUBCOS

Which pubcos have made the top 100 list?

By The Morning Advertiser

Have you ever wondered which pub company operates the largest number of sites or what the latest news is when it comes to the ‘pubs code’?

Cost pressures: Brakspear reports decrease in profitability despite turnover increase (Credit: David Hare)

Brakspear reports turnover boost but profits down

By Rebecca Weller

Oxfordshire multiple operator Brakspear has reported a reduction in profitability due to “cost pressures” alongside an increase in turnover for the year ending 31 December 2023.

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