City digest: Thwaites, Pierre White and bakeries
Two former Pierre White pubs sold
Two Norfolk pubs formerly run under Marco Pierre White’s name have been acquired by coaching inns group Agellus Hotels. The Lifeboat Inn and the Chequers Inn, both in the coastal village of Thornham were sold on the instructions of the joint administrators of Victory Inns Property UK and Agamenon Inns Property UK.
Rufus Harper, operations director of Agellus, said: “We are looking forward to building on the hotels’ existing character and reputation.”
Thwaites acquires two Lancs pubs
Thwaites has acquired two pubs from Mitchell’s of Lancaster.
The Lancashire-based brewer and pub operator said the Boot & Shoe in Lancaster and the Royal in Heysham would both receive “significant investment” early next year.
Restaurant, bar and bakery launch
Jayne Baker, former retail director at Mitchells & Butlers, is launching a new restaurant, bar and bakery concept, Wright & Bell, with backing from Imbiba.
The first opening for the brand will be at South Place, near Moorgate, in the city of London after Christmas, with two further sites identified and others already being considered.
The inaugural outlet will combine a 175-cover casual dining and bar operation, a 228-cover restaurant and a 44 cover bespoke artisan bakery and coffee shop selling breads and pastries.
New craft beers and cocktail chain
Global Star, the West Midlands brewer and pub operator, is to launch an estate of all-day craft beer and cocktail bars under the name Dares by Davenports.
The company, which operates c40 pubs across the region, acquired Davenports’ Highgate Brewery in 2007 and relaunched the Dares beer name earlier this year.
It is thought to have already earmarked six venues for the new Dares Crafted Beer and Cocktail Bar concept. The first standalone site under the new format is set to open in Birmingham.
