Chief executive Toby Smith told M&C Report that the operator of c.550 sites is investing “heavily” in Slug and Lettuce and Scream, while a number of Yates and its local pubs will also be refurbished.
No overall investment figure is available, and individual spends would vary per site. “We are looking at investing in 80 sites in the next 12 months,” Smith said.
Earlier this month Stonegate’s Babylon in Newcastle re-opened as Label after a £200k investment, including private booths, a premium drinks offer and a greater focus on pre-booking.
“Not many people are looking to invest in the late- night drink-only bar space. We are quite interested in looking at that and have done our first one as a new template.”
Investments in the late-night division would be made “as and when appropriate”.
Stonegate is currently revamping its Scream bars to encompass features such as all-day dining, revamped sport screenings and additions to the menu such as pizzas produced with hand-made fresh dough.
Screams to receive investments include the Friary in Derby, which has a nightclub, plus the Cider Press in Bristol and the Hare of Dog in Birmingham.
