PROPERTY ROUND-UP
Fuller's and BrewDog open sites, At the Chapel bought by pubco
Three Fuller’s sites in pipeline
London-based pub operator Fuller, Smith & Turner (Fuller’s) has announced three sites in the pipeline in its latest trading update.
The company has acquired one new site – the Queen’s Arms, landside at Heathrow Terminal 2 – which will open in early August 2022 and joins its airside counterpart, London’s Pride. A further three sites are in advanced stages of negotiation.
Chief executive Simon Emeny said: “We are pleased with our sales growth trajectory, particularly in our central London sites where momentum is building well.
“The industry-wide inflationary cost pressures around food supply, labour and particularly energy are showing little signs of abating. Our premium offer and effective supply chain management provide a degree of protection, but we are not immune from its effects on costs or consumer behaviour.
“Fuller’s is a long-term business with a strong balance sheet, a clear strategy, and great people to execute it. Hospitality continues to bear the brunt of many challenging external factors, but we remain confident that Fuller’s is well placed to continue to prosper.”
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Customer bags free beer at newly launched BrewDog Bristol
The first 100 guests that visited BrewDog’s new Bristol-based last Friday (22 July) were in with a chance to win a year’s supply of free beer.
The venue, which will be the independent Scottish craft brewer’s second venue in the city, will be located at Harbourside. The 100 customers received tickets to a raffle when doors opened at midday, and the BrewDog team then randomly selected a winner.
The site, located near Millennium Square, will have 30 taps of craft beer and cider, featuring guest breweries from the UK as well as local guest beers from Yonder and Wiper & True. The bar also boasts an extensive outdoor area.
BrewDog managing director James Brown said: “We’re excited to have the opportunity to open the doors to our second Bristol bar and to continue to bring our ethos of craft beer and sustainability to a city already renowned for its environmental vision and great local brewers.
“We stock both our own beer and a selection of our favourite brews from local producers. We couldn’t be happier to be expanding here and being part of this fantastic city.”
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Robertsbridge Coaching Inn hits market
Fleurets has brought the George inn, Robertsbridge, East Sussex, to market, with the freehold available for offers of more than £660,000.
The 18th century property is surrounded by National Trust sites and is close to the coastline.
Current owners, Jane and John Turner have decided that after 16 years, it is time for a change. “We have two young children who need us and we are excited about next steps as a family, including showing our children the world after lockdown,” explained Jane.
The George Inn comprises a character bar (25 covers) with a feature inglenook fireplace, restaurant (40 covers), trade garden (40 covers) and car park. In addition, there are four excellent letting rooms along with private owner’s accommodation on the second floor.
Jane continued: “There is scope for growth where the food trade can be extended to all day Saturday and Sunday evenings, as well as holding special events at the pub. Our live music was very successful prior to lockdown as well as a takeaway service.
“There are also several new sites for housing earmarked for development over the next few years in the village, which I’m sure will bring new business to the local area as well as accommodation links with local businesses that can also be further developed.”
Fuller’s reopens 16th century coaching inn
Fuller’s has reopened the George & Dragon at Westerham, Kent after a £2.4m investment.
The site will become the eighth site in in the company’s Bel & the Dragon portfolio. It includes 13 bedrooms, several dining spaces, a private dining or meeting room and a terrace.
The pub is run by a team of 50 led by Tom Baines, formerly deputing manager at Bel & the Dragon in Odiham.
Fuller’s chief executive Simon Emeny said: “The George & Dragon in Westerham is an outstanding example of how a great pub can breathe life into a high street.
“The reaction from the local population has been fantastic and it underlines the strength and potential of the Bel & the Dragon brand.”
Stay Original buys At the Chapel
At the Chapel in Bruton, Somerset, a famous restaurant with rooms, has been brought by south-west hotel and pub group the Stay Original Company.
The deal has been struck by the founders of both companies. Rob Greacen of Stay Original and Catherine Butler of At the Chapel both began their Somerset-based businesses just more than 10 years ago.
Greacen said the company was proud and “delighted” to be the new custodians of At the Chapel.
He continued: “Catherine and I have known each other for many years, and I’ve always hugely admired what she’s done in creating a ground-breaking and well-loved institution, one that deserves its plaudits and fame.
“It’s an ideal fit for the Stay Original Company. We operate to a similar model, reviving beautiful old West country buildings and converting them into vibrant places to eat and stay. I know what a labour of love it has been for Catherine.”
Butler said she was sad to be leaving the restaurant after what had been an “amazing” journey.
“That said,” she added, ”I’m happy to be starting a new stage of my life and pleased to be handing it over to Rob and the team at Stay Original.
“They are serious about food and service. They already run an exclusive collection of restaurants and hotels and I firmly believe the future is bright for At the Chapel.”
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