Independent Operators

Jonathan Neame to become BBPA chairman

Jonathan Neame to become BBPA chairman

By Michelle Perrett

Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Kent-based family brewer Shepherd Neame, is to be the new chairman of the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) from the end of June.

The Big Interview: Martin Hartridge

The Big Interview: Martin Hartridge

Seventy years after the Luftwaffe carelessly dropped its bombs on the Hampshire village of Hambledon destroying the Alliance Brewery, beers are once again being brewed under the Alliance name.

Whitbread reports a 2.6% increase in like-for-like sales

Whitbread reports a 2.6% increase in like-for-like sales

By Mark Wingett, M&C Report

Whitbread has reported a 2.6% increase in like-for-like sales for the year to 1 March 2012, on the back of continued growth at Costa Coffee, but said that trading had been variable during the year and that it expected that trend to continue.

Admiral unveils first right to buy

Admiral unveils first right to buy

By John Harrington, M&C Report

Admiral Taverns, the tenanted pub operator, has revealed details of the first agreement it has signed with a tenant that gives them the opportunity to buy the freehold of the pub from three years into a lease.

Thwaites seals pub deal with microbrewer Prospect Brewery

Thwaites seals pub deal with microbrewer Prospect Brewery

By John Harrington

Lancashire brewer and pub operator Daniel Thwaites has unveiled its first pub partnership deal with a microbrewer that lets the smaller producer serve its own beers free-of-tie, and is looking to roll the agreement out further, M&C Report has learnt.

Momo in talks to roll out Jongleurs comedy clubs

Momo in talks to roll out Jongleurs comedy clubs

Momo Leisure, the firm run by former Regent Inns executives David Elphick and Jez King, is in talks with around six late-night bar operators about rolling out Jongleurs comedy clubs into their outlets, M&C Report has learnt.

Daniels: Given in to demands for a big-screen TV

Summer screen test at the Tharp Arms

By Mark Daniels

You will be getting a bigger television in time for Euro 2012, won’t you?” The short answer to that question was “no”. Over the years I’ve acquiesced left, right and centre to customer requests, head buried deep in the belief that if I provide it, they...

The Big Interview: Henry Ashworth

The Big Interview: Henry Ashworth

By Adam Pescod

Nobody can accuse Portman Group’s chief executive Henry Ashworth of not having enough experience of the harm that alcohol misuse can cause. As Adam Pescod discovers, he is the ideal man to encourage responsible drinking.

Geronimo plans to add five pubs per year

Geronimo plans to add five pubs per year

By John Harrington, M&C Report

Young’s-owned pub operator Geronimo Inns plans to add five outlets per year, its co-founder revealed, as the company took back control of its first-ever site.

Harveys reports profit fall

Harveys reports profit fall

By John Harrington, M&C Report

Harveys, the East Sussex-based brewer and pub operator, has reported a fall in profits in 2011 after experiencing increased pensions contributions and lower income from property sales.

Bath licensees launch 'Nightwatch' scheme

Bath licensees launch 'Nightwatch' scheme

By Adam Pescod

A group of 40 licensees in Bath have teamed up with the local council and police to implement a ‘Nightwatch’ scheme with the aim of creating a safer night-time economy in the city.

Longshot seeks £10m growth

Longshot seeks £10m growth

By Mark Wingett, M&C Report

Longshot, the business led by entrepreneurs Joel Cadbury and Ollie Vigors, has launched a new round of fundraising as it looks to raise up to £10m to expand its four-strong Bel & The Dragon brand.

Victory in long fight for justice

Victory in long fight for justice

By Peter Coulson

The story on the front page of last week's issue of the Publican’s Morning Advertiser (PMA), that after a long battle Michael Kheng has gained damages for his clients for the unlawful ‘instant’ closure notices issue by West Yorkshire Police, was...

Take tax advice on staff benefits

Take tax advice on staff benefits

By Peter Coulson

Taxation is never a happy subject at the best of times, but it tends to come to the fore at Budget time. In the licensed trade the question often arises as to whether tax is chargeable on the benefits that an employee receives in addition to their wages....

ALMR and BEDA to merge

ALMR and BEDA to merge

By John Harrington

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) and the Bar Entertainment & Dance Association (BEDA) have announced plans to merge, creating one trade body representing more than 140 retailers operating more than 11,000 outlets.

Draymen to Strike… (and other funny tweets)

Draymen to Strike… (and other funny tweets)

I know it’s not quite April Fool’s Day but, as I read through the myriad of news stories, Facebook status updates and Twitter feeds I trawl through each morning in an effort to avoid getting out of bed and helping my wife get the children ready for school,...

Still these licence conditions linger

Still these licence conditions linger

By Peter Coulson

I have been having another look at some premises licences for out-of-town pubs recently and find it amazing that the raft of conditions contain long, direct quotes from the ‘old’ Licensing Act throughout.

Going the extra mile

Going the extra mile

By Steve Haslam

Obviously the budget will take centre stage over the next couple of weeks so apart from a brief mention I thought I’d steer well clear.  Yes it’s going to be another kick in the teeth but we have to dust ourselves down and get on with what we do best,...

Rocky road ahead for TENs

Rocky road ahead for TENs

One of the first activities to be affected by the proposed changes in licensing laws due to come into effect next month will be temporary event notices.

Follow us

Property of the week

Pub Trade Guides

View more

Webinars

Upcoming editorial webinars

The Lock In Pub Podcast

Headlines