Up and coming multiples

Up and coming multiples

Rupert Cleveley, Lee Cash, Mark Butler, Chris Gerard, Brian Whiting, Nigel Haworth smaller managed pub operators (46)

Why they are on the list:

These expanding small managed pub companies offer some of the most exciting retail innovations and highest standards to be found in the sector.

They often lease some of the best sites that the bigger pubcos have to offer, providing a high quality tenanted operator — the tenant from heaven

What the past year has held:

The recession does not seem to have held back this sector, with operators adding to their estates. Companies such as Ribble Valley Inns in Lancashire, operated by Michelin star chef Nigel Haworth and North Yorkshire-based Destination Inns led by former Bass executive Ewan Harries have added more sites over the year.

The key to success appears to be attracting customers with a quality food and cask-ale offer. Price-concious consumers are now increasingly shunning higher priced restaurants in favour of this more informal dining experience.

A number of these operators have been taking the opportunity to snap up freeholds

Challenges ahead:

Here's a part of the market that's out-performing in spades. It's a question largely of more of the same.