Inception Group & Arc launch sites
B&K acquires listed building for new site
Brewpub business Brewhouse & Kitchen (B&K) has continued its expansion with a new acquisition in Chelmsford, Essex.
The new site is a Grade II-listed building in Duke St, Chelmsford, formerly known as the Anne Knight building, which adds to the business’s estate of 22 mainly freehold brewpubs.
Work will begin immediately to add B&K’s signature copper microbrewery that will serve the brewpub with a fresh, unpasteurised, vegan-friendly, range of craft beers. These will be joined by a list of guest craft beers, gins, wines, whiskies and a beer-based food menu.
B&K managing director Simon Bunn said: “We are delighted to be bringing our Brewhouse & Kitchen concept to Chelmsford.
“With over 40 national and international awards for our own-brewed beers and our highly regarded brewing industry apprenticeship programme, we are looking forward to brewing our unique range of craft beers and cooking our signature dishes at this amazing new venue, as well as creating 40 new and exciting roles.”
Meanwhile, B&K has been listed as a finalist in The Publican Awards in three categories: Best Pub Brand/Concept, Best Brewing Pub Company and Best Pub Employer up to 500 Employees.
Read more here
BrewDog to open 100+ bars in India
Scottish brewer and bar operator BrewDog is set to open more than 100 sites in India.
Chief executive and co-founder of the Ellon-based business James Watt believes India will become its most important international market and cited statistics that craft beer grew by 127% in the subcontinental country last year.
He said: “We are building plans to open 100 BrewDog Bars in India. I am just back from a trip to India and I am incredibly excited about the prospects for both BrewDog and craft beer there.
“Working with a fantastic local partner and their very talented team we have already opened three brilliant BrewDog Bars (Mumbai Midtown, Mumbai Bandra and Gurugram) and we have two more opening (Amritsar and Chandigarh) in Q1 of 2023 which will take us to five outstanding locations in India.”
Watt continued: “We are already brewing over 10 different BrewDog beers in India, which we currently sell in kegs in our bars. This means a much lower carbon footprint than exporting from Scotland and much fresher beer for our Indian customers.
“Working with our local partners we are building plans that would see India become our most significant market globally over the medium term. We are building plans to open over 100 BrewDog bars in India over the next decade as well as putting both our beers and our spirits into wholesale channels by the middle of 2023.
“Craft beer grew 127% in India in the past year and hospitality grew by over 11% in the same period and with 1.4bn people in India, the potential for further growth is huge. We believe that within five years India will be our most important international market.”
Read more here
Inception Group unveils new Mr Fogg's
Multiple operator Inception Group is set to launch Mr Fogg’s Pawnbrokers on Dean Street in Soho, London.
The venue will be the first Mr Fogg’s in Soho and the story behind the brand will follow Phileas’ wayward half-brother Frank launch a pawnbrokers in a bid to capitalise on the family name and newly acquired artefacts from around the world.
The 140-capacity site will be split into three areas – The Pawnbrokers Counter, The Strong Room and The Textiles Store – and is due to open on Wednesday 22 February.
Its exterior feature the authentic pawn shop insignia alongside a large bay window, illustrating wares for sale, which will change seasonally.
When guests enter the venue, they will be met with The Pawnbrokers Counter, which is the first of two bars, surrounded by high stools, poseur tables and banquette seating looking onto the Soho streets.
The Strong Room is inspired by the vaults and deposits that used to sit behind the counters of pawnbrokers while The Textiles Store includes another bar at the back of the site, made of vintage carpets and rugs alongside walls lined with Flemish tapestries and a vaulted ceiling draped in materials from across the world.
The upholstery will be rich in textures and tones alongside original parquet flooring as well as an array of curiosities throughout. Tables and bar tops will be made from display cases, showcasing the wares for sale.
Read more here
Arc to launch Manahatta in Sheffield
Premium bar operator Arc Inspirations is set to expand its portfolio with the opening of its landmark venue Manahatta in Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
The group currently operates 18 bars across the North of England under the brands of Banyan Bar & Kitchen, BOX and Manahatta.
The company has secured planning permission for the new site, which will launch in February.
Manahatta, Sheffield will be the eighth site for the brand, with current locations including Birmingham, Harrogate, Leeds, Manchester and York.
Inspired by New York loft bars, the city centre venue will comprise two floors. It will feature bookable booths, a 12-metre feature bar with a DJ podium, external seating and a first-floor balcony overlooking City Hall.
A Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Henderson’s and Beef Brisket will be added to its menu, which will also feature drinks including a new riff on Vodka Sunrise – Steel City Sling.
The venue will also offer cocktails served by the glass, as a supersize sharing drink, cocktail trees or the Manahatta magnum.
Read more here
City pub let to Berkeley Inns
The Rugby Tavern in Bloomsbury, central London has been let to Berkeley Inns.
Central London Agency director Andy Frisby said: “Our marketing activity resulted in viewing levels that I hadn’t seen since pre-credit crunch days with 46 separate parties viewing the property over a two-week period.
“We were delighted with the outcome as was our client and the interest levels demonstrate this style of pub and location sit in a sector of the pub market that is hugely in demand”.
The landlords, The Governing Body of Rugby School, were represented by Tandem Property Asset Management LLP. Justine Gillingham commented: “We were delighted to see such a smooth and efficient letting process for the property.
“The strong levels of interest were very striking and a sign of the vibrancy on display in Lambs Conduit Street and the surrounding area.”
The successful applicants, Berkeley Inns Ltd were represented by Panayiotis Themistocli, Associate Director of AG&G.
£340k makeover for Punch pub
The Three Tuns in St. Keverne on the Lizard, Cornwall, recently reopened its doors to reveal a £340,000 transformation by Punch Pubs.
The pub’s bar and dining area have been enhanced to include new seating options and wood panelling.
A fresh menu will feature pub classics like beef and ale pie and a spiced lamb short rib.
Guests can stay in either rooms within the pub or in rustic bell tents complete with showering facilities and kitchenette in the field.
The pub will be taken over by management partners Eve and Pete Busby. Eve said: "It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to offer such a beautiful and unique pub to the community.
“We are particularly proud of the fabulous bell tents which really set us apart for those looking to experience the true beauty of this part of the world. We cannot wait for everyone to come and experience all the pub has to offer."
Punch senior operations director Rupert Reeves added:, "Reopening the Three Tuns is a very proud moment for Punch, it really encapsulates how individual all pubs are.
“The investment here has turned what was an already beautiful pub into an absolutely stunning one. We’re sure the local community and visitors to the area will equally as pleased and enjoy all Eve and Pete have to offer here for many years to come.”
- To find out about pubs for sale, lease and tenancy go to our property site.
- If you have any information regarding new openings or property details you think could be used in this weekly round-up section, along with hi-res landscape images, please email nzryvr.znhevpr-wbarf@jeoz.pbz before midday on Tuesdays.
