Best Managed Pub Company, sponsored by Molson Coors: Urban Pubs & Bars

The business has 40 sites across the capital, each with its own individual style and concept from sports-focused site Bat & Ball in Stratford, Nest in Bishopsgate offering some of London’s best cocktails to Spanish and Italian cuisine at Ember Yard in the heart of Soho.

In October 2021, the business acquired 13 sites from Barworks propelling the fast-moving growth momentum.

Recent opening

The transaction followed Urban’s partnership with Davidson Kempner and Global Mutual, which was established to support and accelerate the growth of Urban.

At the beginning of the year, the multi-site operator opened the Fox at Crouch End, following a four-week refurbishment, transforming a cocktail and pizzeria into a pub and kitchen in the heart of Crouch End.

The company extended its revolving banking facility with Barclay’s to £6m to October 2024 to help support expansion in its results ending 2 May 2021.

Site investment

It also reported £1m of capital expenditure on new site acquisitions, refurbishments, site maintenance and investment in IT.

Urban has a three part ethos when it comes to its core values. These are be fearless – encouraging teams to take an entrepreneurial approach. Be together – caring for colleagues and customers alike, and be better – taking ownership and striving for excellence always.

With a focus on acquiring the best sites in the right locations, recruiting the right operators has meant Urban has a fast-growing, successful business, making it the worthy winner of the Best Managed Pub Company 2023.