Adnams has ‘waiting list’ of prospective tenants
The company said since the easing of on-trade restrictions on 17 May it has continued to see strong demand.
In its interim accounts chairman Jonathan Adnams OBE said: “Our support for pubs has been well recognised and we enter the second half of 2021 with all our pubs let and with a waiting list of prospective tenants.”
The boom is staycations and day trips has meant the Suffolk company has also seen strong demand. Its accommodation businesses led by the Swan Hotel in Southwold, Suffolk is experiencing high levels of occupancy.
This follows news from St Austell that predicted there staycation boom was here to stay until the Autumn.
Strong demand
“Restrictions aside, demand has been strong as many customers left towns and cities for a day trip or break on the East Anglian coast. Accommodation has also been strong since reopening and the teams in our hotels and pubs with rooms, have been delighted to welcome customers back,” he said.
“The business model of many of our pubs is food led, so social distancing requirements have reduced capacities significantly. However, everybody is thrilled to be open to customers once again.”
He added that while its hotels remained closed until 17 May many of its pubs opened spasmodically at step one of the release from lockdown on 12 April.
Colder weather
“The colder spring this year meant drinking in pub gardens needed warm clothing and a stoicism that eluded many once the initial novelty of a pub visit wore off,” he added.
In conclusion he went on to say the company will continue to take a “cautious stance” to ensure the business, staff, pubs, and customers are protected for the future.
“Furthermore, we are experiencing increases to input costs, some difficulties in wine supply from Europe and around the world, together with some upward pressure on wages,” the Adnams boss said.