Other operators

Beds & Bars eyes rollout for cider bar format

26-Jun-2014 By John Harrington

Beds & Bars, the bars-meets-hostels operator, could roll out its Tree House cider bar format to other sites and possibly to standalone units in the future.

What now for self-regulation of the pub sector?

26-Jun-2014 By Noli Dinkovski

In introducing its plans for a pubco statutory code the Government insisted self-regulation had failed. However, with legislation still a distant target how does this ‘discredited’ system fill the gap and will it still have a role to play alongside  a...

Innsatiable appetite for courting controversy

25-Jun-2014 By Mike Berry

Innsatiable — the controversial “free bar” based in Farnham, Surrey that first came to our attention in summer 2012 — is back in the headlines.

Thwaites secures new brewery site

25-Jun-2014 By John Harrington

Daniel Thwaites, the Lancashire brewer and pub operator, saw profits before tax and exceptionals grow from £6m to £7.8m in the year to 31 March following the culmination of a three-year restructure process at the company, and said it expects to complete...

From Red Lion to Lion Rouge – Yorkshire pubs change names for Tour de France

24-Jun-2014 By James Wallin

Pubs in one Yorkshire town have given themselves a Gallic makeover to celebrate the Tour fde France racing through its streets on 5 July.

Licensee accuses NUS of double standards over student pub crawl campaign

23-Jun-2014 By James Wallin

The licensee of a university bar has criticised the National Union of Students for launching a crackdown on students drinking in pubs while offering them a 10% discount on supermarket booze.

Community pub campaigners call for ACV protection to last 10 months

23-Jun-2014 By James Wallin

The Plunkett Foundation has called for changes to Asset of Community Value (ACV) listings, including extending the protected period from six to 10 months.

David Cameron 'delighted' at rise of community-owned pubs

18-Jun-2014 By James Wallin

David Cameron has welcomed the growth of community pubs and backed a project to bring a Bristol local back to life.

Hospitality sector sees growth slow to 0.2% in May

18-Jun-2014 By John Harrington

Like-for-like sales growth across 28 leading managed pub and restaurant groups slowed to just 0.2% in May.

Licensees 'outraged' after Britvic ups the price of Pepsi syrup

18-Jun-2014 By Ellie Bothwell

Licensees have expressed their anger over a “surprise” increase in the cost of Pepsi, after claiming that Britvic has almost halved the size of boxes of syrup without proportionally adjusting its prices.

BII Licensee of the Year says Britain will never adapt to 'cafe culture'

18-Jun-2014 By James Wallin

Twenty-four hour licensing was a worthwhile but ultimately flawed experiment, according to one of the first licensees in Wales to open around the clock.

Publican criticises BT over new charge for Phone Book business listings

18-Jun-2014 By James Wallin

A west London licensee has accused BT of ‘sharp practice’ after it told him he would have to opt out of a classified Phone Book listing or face a £120 annual charge.

Former Admiral boss says pub sector is entering a 'new cycle'

17-Jun-2014 By James Wallin

Senior pub company figure Jonathan Paveley said he expected to see a ‘hybrid’ of managed and tenanted pub models to emerge.

CAMRA launches search for Britain's most historic clubs

17-Jun-2014 By James Wallin

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has launched its search for Britain’s best historic clubs.

Guide to traditional pub etiquette published

17-Jun-2014 By Noli Dinkovski

A lighthearted and non-politically correct instruction guide on how to behave in pubs has been published.

BBPA outlines proposals to help small businesses

16-Jun-2014 By Ellie Bothwell

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has proposed amending the definition of small businesses and introducing new rules that force councils to “be more transparent” in regards to business rate relief.

Analyst predicts rise of 'new regionals' in pub sector

16-Jun-2014 By Ruth Williams

The number of pubs owned by microbreweries could grow from 1% of the market to 10% over the next decade, with financial buyers also busy in the sector, according to Nigel Parson, independent analyst from Dryburgh Research.

BrewDog continues bar expansion with opening of fourth Scottish bar

12-Jun-2014 By Noli Dinkovski

BrewDog, the Scottish brewer and pub operator, is to open its fourth bar in Scotland this Saturday (14 June).

Pubs to host National Piña Colada Day parties

12-Jun-2014 By Jessica Mason

Coconut rum brand Malibu has named the 10th July “National Piña Colada Day” to help boost sales of the Piña Colada cocktail in pubs and bars this summer.

Fake alcohol seized and 96 arrests made following international raids

11-Jun-2014 By Ellie Bothwell

A co-ordinated operation against international gangs producing and selling counterfeit food and alcohol has resulted in nearly 100 arrests, the Government has revealed.

London operators hit out at TFL policy on Tubes during World Cup

11-Jun-2014 By Ellie Bothwell

The pub trade has hit out at Transport for London’s (TfL) decision to not extend Tube opening times in the capital on the days of the World Cup’s later matches.

Home Office wants all pubs to accept new proof of age card

11-Jun-2014 By James Wallin

A Home Office minister has said he wants a “100%” of pubs and clubs to accept the newly re-launched PASS proof of age card.

Pub opens at top of 150ft high crane

11-Jun-2014 By Noli Dinkovski

Whyte & Mackay is tapping into the ‘Clydebuilt’ roots of its Scotch whisky brand by opening a pub with a difference – on top of the historic 150ft Titan Crane in Glasgow.

Lake District pub damaged by fire will re-open, Robinsons confirms

10-Jun-2014 By Ellie Bothwell

A Lake District pub that was damaged by a fire last week will re-open for trading, its owners Robinsons Brewery have confirmed.

Home Office campaign against domestic abuse launches in pubs

10-Jun-2014 By Ellie Bothwell

A new Government campaign against domestic abuse has been launched in pubs and bars across the country ahead of the start of the World Cup on Thursday (12 June).

Gosport Pubwatch bans Mayor and Mayoress from its pubs

10-Jun-2014 By Ellie Bothwell

The Mayor and Mayoress of a Hampshire town have been banned from its pubs just hours after being elected following reports they were drunk and disorderly and threatened to close premises down.

Hawthorn Leisure could grow to 2,000 pubs

09-Jun-2014 By John Harrington

Up to 2,000 existing pubs could fit the criteria for Hawthorn Leisure, which has no cap on its expansion ambitions, according Noah Bulkin of the company’s joint backer May Capital.

ALMR launches 'positive' new look

09-Jun-2014 By James Wallin

The Association of Multiple Licensed Retailers has launched a rebrand which it claims reflects a “modern, vibrant” sector.

ALMR member donations fund LTC autism school kitchen

09-Jun-2014 By Ellie Bothwell

Donations from last year’s ALMR Christmas Lunch have gone towards building a new kitchen at the Licensed Trade Charity’s school for children with autism.

Community shop opened in Tim Henman’s local pub

09-Jun-2014 By James Wallin

An Oxfordshire pub has used a £5,000 award prize to set up a community shop.

Pub celebrates D-Day anniversary with fake bomb raid

09-Jun-2014 By James Wallin

A pub hosted a D-Day commemoration with a difference – complete with air shelter, fake bomb raid and a week in Normandy as first prize in a fancy dress contest.

Evan-Evans launches London brewing and pub venture

06-Jun-2014 By John Harrington

Evan-Evans, the Welsh brewer and pub operator, has launched a new brewing and pub operating venture targeted at the London and south east market.

Fuller's reports healthy profit boost

06-Jun-2014 By Mark Wingett

Fuller’s, the London-based brewer and pub operator, has reported a 10% rise in adjusted pre-tax profits to £34.1m in the year to 29 March, driven by its managed estate, which saw like-for-like growth of an “industry leading” 8.3%.

Shepherd Neame restructure approved after threat of injunction withdrawn

05-Jun-2014 By James Wallin

Shepherd Neame shareholders have voted to approve the brewer’s restructure plans – despite legal threats from within the family.

Licensees set to commemorate D-Day anniversary

05-Jun-2014 By Elliot Kuruvita

Publicans are offering a range of special menus and entertainment to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

Hawthorn Leisure buys 88 R&L pubs

04-Jun-2014 By Mark Wingett

Hawthorn Leisure, the group set up with the acquisition of 275 pubs from Greene King, has announced the acquisition of 88 tenanted and leased pubs from R&L, the pub portfolio formerly part of property tycoon Robert Tchenguiz’s property empire in a...

CAMRA says Government is failing to act on pub protection

03-Jun-2014 By James Wallin

Campaign for Real Ale members have accused Brandon Lewis MP of failing to act on protecting pubs.

Vince Cable: Why we are acting on pubcos

03-Jun-2014 By Vince Cable

Vince Cable, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, talks about the reasoning behind the Government’s intervention in the pub sector, the consultation process, new policy and its proposed benefits.

Out-of-home alcohol spend falls 9.8% over three years

02-Jun-2014 By Ellie Bothwell

The public is spending more on alcohol for drinking at home but significantly less at pubs and bars, new figures show.

Charity sets up fake pub to teach teens about responsible drinking

02-Jun-2014 By James Wallin

A charity has set up its own dry pub, in a bid to teach teenagers how to stay safe on a night out.

Shepherd Neame facing family revolt over restructure

30-May-2014 By James Wallin

Stuart Neame has accused the board of directors at his family firm of lying to shareholders over plans to simplify its capital structure.

Sawday pub awards winners 2014 announced

30-May-2014 By Helen Gilbert

A total of 15 pubs have received special recognition in Sawday’s Special Places Pubs and Inns of England & Wales Guide.  

PMA survey reveals pensions timebomb for publicans

28-May-2014 By Mike Berry

Licensees are sitting on a potential pensions timebomb, with the majority not making any provision for their retirement, according to new PMA reader research.

Polling station pubs attract new customers

28-May-2014 By Ellie Bothwell

Pubs hosting polling stations can attract new business and win back locals, according to licensees who combined the bar and the ballot box last week.

Home Office launches crackdown on student pub crawls

28-May-2014 By James Wallin

Universities will have to prove they are discouraging their students from taking part in pub crawls, under a pilot scheme launched today.

Licensee loses change of use application for second time

28-May-2014 By Ellie Bothwell

A Norfolk landlady has lost a second application for her pub to change use, after the local council insisted the business could still be viable.

Campaigners celebrate success in community asset bid for Brighton pub

28-May-2014 By Noli Dinkovski

A campaign group hoping to save a Victorian pub has won the right to have it listed as an asset of community value (ACV).

Pesto aims to pass 100 site threshold

28-May-2014 By John Harrington

North-west-based pub and restaurant chain Pesto could expand beyond 100 sites, owner Neil Gatt has said.

Where Eagles Dare (Part 2)

27-May-2014 By Robert Sayles

The Colonel looked at the dejected faces around the table. “Gentlemen, we have to be realistic. It’s been almost four months and we’ve heard nothing. I think we have to conclude the mission has been compromised. We need to close this thing down and move...

'Tube map' for pubs is proving a winner

27-May-2014 By James Wallin

A company is putting pubs on the map with its range of tube-style guides to local boozers.