City digest - 6 November

Intertain lands further investment

Better Capital, the backers of Walkabout operator Intertain, have invested a further £3.1m to fund further growth with a new Manchester site as the first in the pipeline. The Jon Moulton-led private equity firm said it was encouraged by the strong returns achieved on investments in the year to date.

The fourth Walkabout to open in 2015 will be in the Printworks urban entertainment complex, Manchester. 

Meantime ditches Greenwich site

Brewer Meantime, which was acquired by SABMiller in May, is disposing of its microbrewery and restaurant operation at Greenwich Old Naval College. The company opened The Old Brewery in 2010 after a £5m joint investment with the Greenwich Foundation.

The company said it planned to use the resources to improve the consumer experience at its other retail sites.

PubLove opts for burger brand

PubLove, the London-based pub and hostel group, is gearing up for growth in 2016 to expand its estate and strengthen its burger brand as a standalone offering. The company, which re-branded from Best Place Inns a year ago, is in advanced discussions to roll out its Burger Craft kitchen with another pub operator.

The brand is now installed in each of the six PubLove sites and is gaining traction in its own right, leading founder Ben Stackhouse to explore options for a standalone dining option.

Nidderdale Inns triples in size

Yorkshire-based pub operator Nidderdale Inns has grown to three sites with the opening of a wet-led bar and the upcoming launch of a food-led pub. The company has taken on a closed site next to Rippon Cathedral, which it has relaunched as Wilfrid’s — a wet-led bar focusing on cask ale and craft beers.

Now it is taking on the lease of the Staveley Arms in North Stainley. Co-founder Mark Arrol said Nidderdale aims to revive its reputation for food, with an opening planned for February.