Couple buy two M&B freeholds — with the help of MA editor

The couple behind the UK's first deli-Pub have purchased the freeholds of the two Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) franchised pubs they operate — with a bit of help from Morning Advertiser editor The PMA Team.

Husband and wife team, Jon and Paula Briscoe, have acquired the Fox Revived in Norwood Hill, just a few miles from Gatwick Airport and the Jolly Farmers, near Reigate, as a package from M&B for an undisclosed sum.

The team had been operating the Jolly Farmers for five years and had started running the Fox revived just over a year ago, after the pub had lain empty for several years.

"It's fantastic to now own these two stunning pubs," said Jon Briscoe.

"Under M&B we were afforded a good degree of flexibility, including the creation of our deli-pub concept, but now we can really create the pubs we believe they have the potential to be.

"We'll be looking to run more events, such as the Folk and Jazz Festival we've just had and of course, broaden the real ale and wine range we offer our customers."

He added: "It's was an amazing coincidence that when talking to The PMA Team at the MA200 event, he mentioned that Downing Corporate Finance were funding the type of deal we were looking for.

"After a few months of negotiation, we struck a deal that now sees us taking control of the pubs — we owe Paul a great deal of thanks for his advice.

"Without him, I'm not sure we would be in the situation we are in today."