Independent Operators

Phased reopening: Shepherd Neame plans to resume trading at 40 managed pubs and at least 150 tenanted sites as soon as possible

Shepherd Neame to reopen almost 200 pubs in July

By Stuart Stone

Kent-based brewer and pub operator Shepherd Neame expects to resume trading at least two thirds (190) of its pubs before the end of July, according to chief executive Jonathan Neame.

Restart schedule: Oakman Inns CEO Peter Borg-Neal has outlined why he has decided to open on 4 July

Oakman Inns ‘already fully booked on 4 July’

By Nikkie Thatcher

Multiple operator Oakman Inns has received thousands more people viewing its website and bookings have soared, CEO Peter Borg-Neal told The Morning Advertiser (MA).

No prizes for rushed reopening: ’there is no gold medal for coming out first. We will do this properly, we will do this effectively, and we will do this only once,’ Liberation Group’s Jayson Perfect says

Big Interview

There’s no gold medal for reopening pubs first

By Stuart Stone

Jayson Perfect says the tide is turning when it comes to reopening locked down sites at Channel Islands-based pub group Liberation – if only there was a word to describe the action of setting them free?

Annual review: Stew & Oyster’s Jay Weir says ‘the past six weeks or so already feel like half a lifetime’

#Unitedwestand

‘Never let a crisis go to waste’

By Jay Weir, operations director, Stew & Oyster

As I look back on my first year as ops director of Yorkshire-based pub operator Stew & Oyster, to say it hasn’t quite been what I was expecting would be like saying beer is moderately palatable – rather an understatement.

Leader’s departure: managing director Chris Hopkins is retiring from Hydes Brewery

Hopkins to retire from Hydes

By Ed Bedington

Industry veteran Chris Hopkins has announced he’s stepping down from the managing director role at Manchester-based family brewer Hydes after 22 years at the helm.

Future ideas: Chestnut’s Philip Turner, Black Sheep Brewery’s Andy Slee and Loungers’ Nick Collins laid out the post-lockdown plans

MA500

How are operators planning for post-lockdown?

By Nikkie Thatcher

Social distancing, further innovation and concerns about the end of the furlough scheme are three points operators are taking into consideration when planning to reopen.

Further aid: UKH boss Kate Nicholls called for the Government to extend support into next year

MA500

Government needs to evolve support to 2021

By Nikkie Thatcher

Support packages for the hospitality industry must continue and evolve to the end of 2020 and into the beginning of next year, one trade leader has urged.

Critical support: the Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme has been an ‘absolute lifesaver’ according to Livelyhood Pub Group's Tom Talbot

#MA500

‘The state aid we’ve received has helped us survive’

By Stuart Stone

Tom Talbot of Livelyhood Pub Company and City Pub Group’s Clive Watson dialled in to MA500’s online conference to discuss what Covid-19 financial support they had received and how it had helped their businesses survive shutdown.

How can you maintain a pub's value?

MA500

Size matters in the new normal

By Ed Bedington

Space and rural location is going to be key when it comes to maintaining property values in a post-lockdown world, a leading property expert has claimed.

How should I reopen my pub?

MA500

Preparation is key for reopening

By Ed Bedington

Pubs need to prepare carefully and think about updating their range in the run-up to reopening their operations, experts have advised.

Conference speakers: James Watt (left) and Gary Turner will be revealing how they are keeping teams engaged

MA500

BrewDog and Inn Collection Group reveal staff engagement secrets

By Nikkie Thatcher

BrewDog co-founder James Watt and The Inn Collection Group commercial and compliance manager Gary Turner will be outlining how they are keeping staff engaged at the digital MA500 conference later this week (Thursday 14 May).

Looking forward: BrewDog has said staff will wear face masks and gloves in its initial reopening plan

#Unitedwestand

BrewDog reveals future for its bars

By Nikkie Thatcher

Scottish brewer and operator BrewDog has announced its initial approach to reopening its bars, subject to official guidance from the Government.

Support: most pubs would need furlough to be extended

#UnitedWeStand

68% of pubs need furlough beyond June to survive

By Nicholas Robinson

More than two thirds of pub bosses asked in a snapshot poll of hospitality industry leaders have said furlough will need to be in place for longer to ensure the sector’s survival.

Under wraps: the line-up of speakers for the MA500 webinar will be revealed shortly

MA500

MA500 goes digital

By Nikkie Thatcher

With the unprecedented shutdown of society ongoing, The Morning Advertiser is striving to find new ways to keep our readership informed and head of the game wherever possible, and the MA500 is no exception.

Neil McDonnell, Hickory’s Smokehouse criticises insurance companies amid coronavirus

#Unitedwestand

‘Insurance companies have been a disgrace’

By Ed Bedington

Insurance has been the biggest headache for operator Neil McDonnell of Hickory’s Smokehouse in Chester. He told The Morning Advertiser how he was dealing with the issue when we visited him.

LoveHouse launch: Bed & Bars CEO Keith Knowles says the company has a responsibility to protect and support its people

#Unitedwestand

Beds & Bars to house stranded staff at UK hostels

By Stuart Stone

Operator of hostels, bars and pubs across 10 cities in seven countries – Beds & Bars – has launched LoveHouse, a scheme guaranteeing staff a roof over their head during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pubco is adapting: Chestnut founder Philip Turner wants to plough revenue from its takeaway offer into charitable causes

#Unitedwestand

Chestnut to donate takeaway revenue to the NHS

By Stuart Stone

The founder of East Anglia-based operator Chestnut, Philip Turner, has vowed to donate takeaway revenue from its 11-strong pub estate to the NHS during the Covid-19 shutdown.

Peachy outlook: directors will take no salary until Peach Pubs sites reopen and all staff will keep their jobs, says MD Hamish Stoddart

#Unitedwestand

Peach rules out staff cuts as directors forgo salary

By Stuart Stone

Peach Pub Company has assured staff there will be no job cuts across its 19 sites during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic – with company directors surrendering their salaries until pubs reopen.

Company goals: looking after its people is a key priority for North

#Unitedwestand

‘People and cash flow will get us through’

By Nikkie Thatcher

A focus on the team and cash flow is how North Bar/North Brewing Co is weathering the storm of Covid-19, co-founder Christian Townsley told The Morning Advertiser.

Team goals: the new appointments will be instrumental in driving the business forward says Arc’s Martin Wolstencroft

Arc Inspirations makes double appointment

By Stuart Stone

Premium bar operator Arc Inspirations has appointed Laura Lewis as its new head of marketing and Tim Knockton as financial director in the hope of building on the ‘most successful year in the company’s history’.

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Trust Nightclub - Friars Gate, Warrington

£ 150,000 - To Let

Friars Gate, WarringtonLocated in the Heart of the Town Centre Nightclub Circuit6AM Licence on Friday & SaturdayClose Proximity to UniversitySeparate Floors AvailablePotential to Split Subject...

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