Charles Wells partners with Yummy for London pub acquisition

The Gorringe Park in Tooting, south London, has been bought for an undisclosed sum. In a first for Charles Wells, it has been purchased specifically for the launch of a second operation with Yummy, the venture led by Tim Foster and Anthony Pender that runs three other pubs including the Bedford-based company's Somerstown Coffee House in Euston.

Charles Wells Pub Company managing director Peter Wells said: “We’ve established a fantastic working relationship with Yummy at the Somerstown Coffee House, to such an extent that this is the first time we’ve bought a pub in consultation with a specific operator.

“It’s a model that could be replicated as we are committed to investing in the best pubs and operators as we work towards delivering a great pub experience. In the meantime, we look forward to developing this traditional Victorian pub into a unique venue with the values of quality and customer service that are shared by Charles Wells and Yummy Pub Co.”

Craig Mayes, operations director at Charles Wells, told M&C Report​: “We are certainly in discussion with one other on a similar deal. The more people we can engage in finding the right pubs the better. It makes it much easier for finding pubs.”

The two companies are to make a joint investment of £500K in the site incorporate a cinema on the lower ground floor, traditional ground floor bar and a series of upstairs function rooms including a library and an “alchemy lab”. Yummy’s supper club concept Ssshh is set to operate in the venue.

Foster said: “Our relationship with Charles Wells has been fruitful and enjoyable and our mutual understanding of what makes a great pub came to the fore when we independently identified the Gorringe Park as a potential development opportunity.”

The pub is to close for eight weeks prior to opening.