Independent Operators

Almost a quarter of NewRiver sites are pubs

21-Jan-2019 By Nikkie Sutton

Some 671 pubs now account for 22% of NewRiver’s total portfolio, it has announced in its third quarter trading update.

Pubcos pledge to pay settled status application costs for EU staff

14-Jan-2019 By Emily Hawkins

Several pub groups will cover the administrative cost of ‘settled status’ applications for its workers who are EU nationals.

6 new sites planned for Oakman Inns

14-Jan-2019 By Nicholas Robinson

Oakman Inns is to launch six new venues, according to founder and boss Peter Borg-Neal after he revealed rude sales growth over Christmas.

Draft House founder invests in My Million Pound Menu business

09-Jan-2019 By Nicholas Robinson

Draft House founder Charlie McVeigh, who sold the business to BrewDog last year, has invested £350,000 in restaurant concept BBQ Dreamz on My Million Pound Menu.

The Inn Collection Group bids to double in size with £10m loan

08-Jan-2019 By Stuart Stone

OakNorth has provided Northumberland’s largest independent accommodation provider, The Inn Collection Group, with £10m in funding to support ambitious expansion plans over the next four years.

Stonegate's seasonal sales increase by 7.8%

04-Jan-2019 By Stuart Stone

Stonegate Pub Company has reported year-on-year, like-for-like sales growth for the festival period between 1 December and 1 January.

Movers and shakers in the pub industry in 2018

21-Dec-2018 By Emily Hawkins

The Morning Advertiser looks back at the previous 12 months of job moves in the pub industry.

London high street welcomes Oakman addition

19-Dec-2018 By Emily Hawkins

Oakman Inns has opened a new high street pub in the Hampton Hill area of Richmond, south-west London.

Listed life is elementary for dear Watson

19-Dec-2018 By James Wallin, MCA

A year on from City Pub Group’s IPO, chairman Clive Watson spoke to MCA's James Wallin about growing pains, avoiding the “corporate haze”, the enduring attraction of “wet-led boozers” and what he has learnt from operating a vegan pub.

Burning Night subsidiary companies placed into administration

13-Dec-2018 By Emily Hawkins

Burning Night’s nine subsidiary companies have been placed into administration as buyers are sought for the bar company.

Shepherd Neame teams up with award-winning microbrewery

13-Dec-2018 By Stuart Stone

Award-winning Kent microbrewery Rockin Robin has joined forces with Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, to launch its first pub.

Pub is ready for Christmas with 95 trees and 21,000 lights

28-Nov-2018 By Robert Mann

A UK pub dubbed “Britain’s most festive” has unveiled its most extravagant Christmas display to date.

The Big Interview

Pub boss: As a sector ‘we need to change our image’

26-Nov-2018 By Nicholas Robinson

Pub has become a bit of a dirty word over the years. Not from within our sector, of course, but it has been loaded with negative connotations by outsiders who have been quick to cast their aspersions on the trade.

ETM Group turnover increases by 34.7%

26-Nov-2018 By Stuart Stone

The ETM Group’s results for the year ending 29 February 2018 revealed an “incredible year” according to chief executive Ed Martin.

Fuller's investment into estate eats into half-year profits

23-Nov-2018 By Emily Hawkins

Fuller’s said an investment in its estate will ensure it is best placed for the Christmas period despite its half-year profits dipping as a result.

Trade reacts to new Brexit declaration

22-Nov-2018 By Emily Hawkins

Trade leaders have been responding to the announcement that the political declaration on the future relationship of the UK and EU has been agreed.

BrewDog opens bar at Edinburgh airport

22-Nov-2018 By Emily Hawkins

Scottish craft brewer and pub operator BrewDog has opened new bars in Edinburgh Airport and Perth city-centre.

Next BII chair announced as Red Mist Leisure's Mark Robson

21-Nov-2018 By Emily Hawkins

Mark Robson has been announced as the next chair for the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII).

Liberation Group appoints new chief executive

16-Nov-2018 By Stuart Stone

Channel Island and West Country pub company, The Liberation Group, has announced that Jonathan Lawson will join the business as chief executive on 14 January 2019.

Thornbridge requests online donations after employee passes away

09-Nov-2018 By Emily Hawkins

Tributes have been paid to a former Thornbridge Brewery employee who passed away - just days before she was set to participate in the brewery’s fundraising day today.

Future multiple operator ties up energy drink deal

09-Nov-2018 By Emily Hawkins

Rock Point Leisure and premium energy drink company Rich Energy have signed an exclusive UK distribution agreement.

Shepherd Neame restructures debt

05-Nov-2018 By Stuart Stone

The brewer and operator behind 321 pubs across Kent and the south-east announced a new and extended financing structure on 31 October.

Oakman Inns appoints Butlin’s managing director to top job

02-Nov-2018 By Emily Hawkins

Oakman Inns has hired Dermot King, director at Bourne Leisure and managing director at Butlin’s, to take on a senior role at the group as it expands.

Sales growth of 8.5% for Oakman Inns

12-Oct-2018 By Emily Hawkins

Oakman Inns has reported a like-for-like sales growth of 8.5%, with the pubco’s performance exceeding its forecasts for the year to date.

Revolution Bars breaks off Deltic acquisition talks

11-Oct-2018 By Stuart Stone

Following initial talks over the acquisition of the Deltic Group, a statement on 10 October revealed that Revolution Bars Group had walked away from a potential deal.

Bierkeller parent company placed into administration

10-Oct-2018 By Emily Hawkins

The bar company behind the popular Bierkeller venues has been placed into administration, though its sites will continue to trade as normal.

In pictures: Pitcher & Piano set for steel city launch

09-Oct-2018 By Stuart Stone

Pitcher & Piano will open its 18th UK site in Sheffield on 19 October.

Shepherd Neame acquires Ebbsfleet Garden City site

08-Oct-2018 By Stuart Stone

Kent-based brewer and operator Shepherd Neame has acquired a new site at a major strategic development bordering Greater London and Kent.

Red Oak Taverns receives £42m bank loan

08-Oct-2018 By Emily Hawkins

OakNorth bank has handed Red Oak Taverns a multimillion-pound boost to help it expand across the country and refinance its existing debt.

Brewhouse & Kitchen to produce First World War centenary beer

04-Oct-2018 By Stuart Stone

Brewpub group Brewhouse & Kitchen is hosting the nation’s first Veteran Brew Day on 5 October to produce commemorative beer, Veteran Brew, marking 100 years since the end of World War One.

Shepherd Neame announces first charity of the year

04-Oct-2018 By Stuart Stone

Kent-based brewer and operator Shepherd Neame has named the Silas Pullen Fund as its first charity of the year, as part of the relaunch of the Sheps Giving arm of the business.

Revolution Bars Group suffers £3.6m loss

02-Oct-2018 By Emily Hawkins

Revolution Bars has blamed periods of extreme weather and England’s unexpected football success for a £3.6m loss in its full-year results.

New World Trading Company launches customer loyalty app

01-Oct-2018 By Stuart Stone

Restaurant and bar group The New World Trading Company (NWTC) has launched customer loyalty app ‘My New World’ as part of its ongoing nationwide expansion.

Shepherd Neame profits rise to £11.8m

26-Sep-2018 By Stuart Stone

Kent-based brewer and operator Shepherd Neame has revealed rising profits and turnover for the 53 weeks ended 30 June 2018.

Big interview: Jonathan Neame, Shepherd Neame chief executive

25-Sep-2018 By Stuart Stone

The close ties Shepherd Neame maintains to its home county of Kent provide both the storied history around which the brand has been built as well as unique challenges and opportunities. Jonathan Neame talks through almost 30 years at Britain’s oldest...

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