'Great pub man' John Weir, MD of Wear Inns, dies following heart attack

Weir, of Wynard, Teesside, died at home aged 67 on August 28. He has been described as a ‘popular, well-known personality in the pub industry’. 

Weir set up the 26-strong pubco Wear Inns, based in the north-east and Yorkshire, with now chairman John Sands.

'Devoted family man'

Sands said: “John’s death came as a complete shock and he will be very sadly missed. He was a devoted family man and someone who was my friend and colleague for over 30 years.

“John will be remembered as a great pubs man. He knew how to build effective businesses which give customers exactly what they want.”

Weir’s first senior role was at former Sheffield brewery, William Stones - as sales manager with responsibility for 125 pubs.

Three years later he became regional operations director in Bass North and was appointed to the William Stones operations board.

Weir then spent a number of years implementing capital investment programmes as retail director at Bass in the north-east and Scotland, and was part of the team that developed the Ember Inns brand.

In 2004 he was recruited by John Sands at Hartlepool-based Pubmaster as managing director (retail acquisitions).

Wear Inns

After Punch bought Pubmaster, the duo decided to start their own company and Wear Inns was formed in 2006.

The company now has 26 pubs in the north-east and Yorkshire – most recently acquiring The Whistlestop near Leeds United’s Elland Road ground.

Wear Inns recently made the Investec Mid Market 100 list, which ranks the fastest growing companies in the UK with a turnover of over £10 million, for the second time.

Achievements

London Stock Exchange also highlighted the company as one of 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain, which celebrates the country’s most dynamic and fastest-growing small and medium sized businesses.

Wear Inns, which has its headquarters in the old offices of the Castle Eden Brewery in County Durham, claims to be the biggest independent freehold managed operator in the region in terms of volume of beer sold, and has a workforce of 265.

Finance director Simon Duckworth has been appointed acting managing director of Wear Inns and will be supported by the existing team.

John is survived by wife Barbara, sons Scott and Grant, and five grandchildren.