Geronimo buys former Pubs 'n' Bars site

Geronimo Inns, the Young's-owned food-led operator, has bought its 27th site - a former Pubs 'n' Bars venue in Kentish Town, north west London.

The freehold of the Lion & Unicorn was bought for an undisclosed sum from Pubs 'n' Bars' administrators. The group collapsed into administration in December 2009, at which time it owned and operated 87 pubs in the South East.

The Lion & Unicorn is a traditional wet-led pub, with a main bar and trade garden to the rear. The property's first floor is home to Giant Olive, the resident theatre company, which will continue to use the property after a brief period of refurbishment.

Geronimo Inns, which is led by Rupert and Jo Clevely, was acquired by Young's before Christmas for £60 million.

The sale was handled by Christie+Co. Director Simon Chaplin said: "London-based freehold opportunities continue to generate a healthy interest from a wide range of buyers. We are delighted to have been able to secure such a high-class operator, such as Geronimo Inns, for the Lion & Unicorn. We are also delighted that the theatre group will continue to play an important role in the fabric of this unique business."