Peach Pubs founder invests in cricketers’ pubco
After two years working as a consultant in the Nottinghamshire-based business, predominantly coaching Gurney in his role as managing director, Cash has now acquired a stake in the business and is taking up an official non-executive role.
“Our vision is to have a group of five quality gastropubs in the midlands, based on our successful model at the Tap & Run, in Upper Broughton. Having built a group of 21 gastropubs, Lee is acutely aware of what it takes and what the common pitfalls are when hospitality companies begin to grow,” said Gurney, who retired from professional cricket in 2021 having played 12 matches for England and county cricket for Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire from 2007 to 2019.
Significant value added
Business partner Stuart Broad, who still represents England and Nottinghamshire cricket teams, added: “When Harry and I were learning our craft on the cricket field, the counsel of senior players was hugely valuable to us and we don’t think commerce is any different. Lee has already added significant value to our business, and we are excited to see how that develops further over the coming years.”
In the first year of trading after the pandemic, the Tap & Run, which offers gastropub food with subtle nods to the cricketing heritage of its founders, turned over double that of the 12 months prior.
However, the pub was destroyed by fire in June this year. While the rebuild takes place, the team has been busy designing menus, working on interiors and creating systems and processes using Cash’s experience that will facilitate growth in a sustainable way.
Cash, whose Peach Pubs business was sold to Revolution Bars Group last month, said: “I am thrilled to officially be on board at The Cat & Wickets Pub Company. Harry has the kind of drive you don’t see every day. Added to the team he’s already got around him, I’m sure we’ll build something great – and have a lot of fun doing it.”
A better pub
On the rebuilding of the Tap & Run, Gurney told The Morning Advertiser: “It was awful but we’re going to end up with a better pub than we had pre-fire. Although it’s been traumatic and frustrating, we’re going to make a few tweaks to the layout that will aid the flow of the building and provide a few more covers.
“It’s one of those things we will look back on in a few years’ time and, yes it was a disaster, but it made the pub better.”
Gurney added openings may come sooner rather than later. “I’m hoping that between now and when the Tap & Run reopens in April, we will be opening another pub – so by April, we’ll be up to two,” he said. “And then, this time next year, my intention would be to have a third in the pipeline if things go well and the economy is not too scary.”
The roof trusses are now in place and the felt has gone on, meaning we should be completely watertight by the end of the week
— The Tap & Run, Upper Broughton. (@tapandrunCW) October 17, 2022
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This means that the internal work can then start, and we’re so excited to get going!
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.#tapandrun#pubfire#pubrebuild#thesecondinningspic.twitter.com/XfKDOoGr2f
