Greene King opens first Scottish Nest Pub
Greene King Pub Partners,he leased, tenanted, and franchise division of Greene King, has reopened the Tarbet in Edinburgh as a Nest Pub.
The opening marked Greene King Pub Partners’ first Scottish site within its franchise pub concepts, which includes both Hive Pubs and Nest Pubs .
Formerly known as the Centurion, the Tarbet opened following a £285,000 investment by Belhaven Pub Partners, which operates within Greene King Pub Partners.
Earlier this year, Bellhaven announced its plans to expand these franchise models into Scotland.
The Tarbet is the first of several planned openings across Scotland for Belhaven Pub Partners this year, as Greene King aims to grow its franchise presence.
In line with the Nest Pubs concept, the Tarbet benefited from a full refurb, including relocating the bar for a more spacious and open-plan design, alongside substantial interior and exterior enhancements.
Sport will also be a key feature, with Sky Sports, TNT Sport, and Premier Sports offered. Customers can also expect a regular schedule of entertainment, including pub quizzes, live music, and karaoke.
The Tarbet will also offer a wide range of beverages alongside easy-to-serve pizzas.
Greene King Pub Partners operations director Penny Baldwin said: “We’re delighted to have our first franchise pub in Scotland up and running. This is the first in a pipeline of franchise pub openings we have planned for Scotland over the course of 2025.”
She added: “Our franchise pubs provide a cost-effective and straightforward way to run your own pub business with a full suite of support from Belhaven and Greene King.
“We are actively searching for franchise Partners in Scotland and across England as well. Anyone with pub management experience who is interested in running their own pub business should get in touch.”
Licensees Pauline Huggins and Karen Robertson added: “We are so proud to become the first Belhaven Pub Partners franchisees.
“The franchise agreement and Nest Pubs concept mean we have a ready-to-trade pub business with full investment and support from Belhaven Pub Partners.
“Having previously operated the Tarbet on a tenancy basis, we are excited for this next chapter where we can continue to serve the community we are so close to with this brilliant new franchise concept, the very first in Scotland.”
Punch acquires market town pub
Punch Pubs & Co. has taken on the Swan pub in Loughborough.
A wet led site in the centre of the Rushes, the Swan has been acquired by Castle Rock Brewery and will join Punch’s leased and tenanted estate with experienced multiple operators, Ami Sanobar and Darren Paul, at the helm.
Punch head of estate development and acquisitions Andrew Cannons commented: “We’re delighted to welcome the Swan into the Punch family.
“This fantastic pub boasts excellent qualities and a stellar reputation within the community.
“We’re delighted that its current manager, Edith, and the existing team will remain at the pub and we’re looking forward to seeing it thrive under Ami and Darren’s experienced leadership for many years to come.”
The Swan in the Rushes features a lounge area with a central bar and additional games room equipped with a pool table and table football alongside a large beer garden.
The pub is also known for its partnership with Merv’s Kitchen, which will continue to offer American cuisine including slow-cooked ribs, crispy chicken wings and German-inspired Bockwurst from within the venue.
Punch operations manager Christian Gregory said: “I am excited to be working alongside Edith and the team as they transition into the Punch family.
“With seasoned multiple operators, Ami and Darren, I am confident that this fantastic pub will continue to flourish for many years to come.
“There is immense potential here, and with a small investment planned for later this year, I look forward to witnessing the ongoing success of the pub and its team.”
NEOS Hospitality expands Barbara’s Bier Haus to Bristol and Bournemouth
NEOS Hospitality is set to launch two new Barbara’s Bier Haus venues in Bristol and Bournemouth, further solidifying its growing market presence.
This expansion follows the recent successful opening of Circuit, Bristol, in January.
Barbara’s Bier Haus will officially open in Bournemouth in March, with the Bristol location following in April.
NEOS Hospitality CEO Russell Quelch stated: “Our vision at NEOS is to create experiences that cater to the emerging trends in the sector.
“The success of venues like Barbara’s highlights the growing demand for more than just a bar – people are seeking experiences.”
He added: “With our core venues like Barbara’s, guests can expect something more than the traditional bar experience. Expanding into two of the UK’s most vibrant destinations this Spring is a testament to both our team’s hard work, and the strength of our core brands.”
The venues incorporate themed design elements to enhance the traditional bar experience.
By combining “high-energy entertainment and themed experiences,” NEOS aims to continually set new industry standards, ensuring each venue provides a unique and enjoyable experience for consumers.
Admiral injects £215k into city venue
The Ribble Lodge, located on Ribbleton Avenue in Preston, reopened its doors on Thursday 13 March after undergoing a £215,000 transformation.
Part of Proper Pubs, the community wet-led division of Admiral Taverns, the pub has been completely refurbished, with a refreshed bar area, new furniture, flooring, fittings, and fixtures throughout the premises.
Operator Rebecca Lyons said: “The renovations have given the Ribble Lodge new lease of life.
“We’ve also revamped the both games room, which is now complete with two brand new pool tables and dart boards, and the function room, which holds up to 120 people, and an additional four dart boards.”
Outside, the pub offers two spacious beer gardens, with the front garden seating up to 50 people. The rear garden will also receive new heaters and a sheltered area, allowing for year-round use.
The reopening was celebrated with a live performance by local artist Peter Hague, followed by a weekend of entertainment, including a performance from local singer Callie Allen, a live DJ set, and a street food van.
Lyons hopes to continue to host a busy schedule of entertainment, featuring weekly quizzes, DJ nights, live music, games evenings, and psychic nights.
The venue is equipped with six television screens and one large projector, offering Sky and TNT Sports.
Furthermore, Lyons aims to support community initiatives, starting with fundraising for a lifesaving defibrillator and collecting food for the local foodbank.
She also hopes to collaborate with national and regional mental health charities.
Proper Pubs operations director Matthew Gurney commented: “I’m delighted to have Rebecca and the team on board at the Ribble Lodge and it’s fantastic to see how this incredible transformation has come to life.
“On behalf of myself and the whole team at Proper Pubs, I’d like to thank both the operator, and everyone who has had a hand in getting the pub to where it is now, for all their hard work and I wish Rebecca the very best for the future”.
Pitch unveils flagship canary wharf venue
Pitch officially launched its new flagship venue in Canary Wharf on Monday 27 February.
Situated on Churchill Place with riverside views, the two-level venue offers floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Canary Wharf skyline.
The interior aims to create an elegant and modern space combining golf with a social atmosphere, welcoming both members and visitors, featuring two stylish bars and a varied cocktail menu.
In addition, the venue offers an Asian-inspired food offering called JIYŪ, alongside live DJ sets, and shuffleboard.
Pitch CEO and co-founder Elliot Godfrey said: “With a vibrant atmosphere and so many busy professionals living and working in the area, Canary Wharf is the perfect place to open what we consider to be the new flagship venue.
“We are pushing the boundaries with this new venue, as we strive to disrupt and deliver new dynamic spaces in cities across the UK and around the world.”
Fellow co-founder and CEO Chris Ingham added: “The Canary Wharf project has been a labour of love for us and to receive such positive feedback from the launch evening was special.
“To be bestowed with a location like this one is testament to the success of our other venues and our outstanding team; we’re very excited for what the future holds both in London and globally.”
Greene King injects £165,000 into Surrey pub
The Albion pub in Farnham has unveiled a new look following a £165,000 upgrade from Greene King.
Located on Hale Road, the pub has been taken on by Stubbings Pub Group Limited, operated by Jon Paul Stubbings, in partnership with Greene King Pub Partners.
The refurbishment has transformed the Albion into a welcoming space for pub-goers.
Key structural changes include the removal of a chimney breast and an internal wall, creating an open layout with distinct zones, such as a dedicated sports area, dining section and speakeasy-inspired space.
The bar has also been upgraded to serve bean-to-cup coffee and an expanded range of low and non-alcoholic drinks, alongside traditional pub offerings.
Meanwhile, the sports area now features large screens showing Sky Sports and TNT Sports, along with a pool table and digital darts .
A new food menu featuring popular pub classics and a Sunday Roast has also been introduced .
Stubbings said: “We are delighted to take on The Albion and grow our partnership with Greene King Pub Partners.
“Working together with Greene King, it is great to see our vision for The Albion come to life with their support.
“The upgrades to the pub enable us to deliver our successful offer, which includes great sport, great pub food and a great rhythm of the week for live entertainment.”
The transformation includes a newly decorated interior and upgraded toilets.
Greene King Pub Partners managing director Dan Robinson added: “This is a fantastic investment in partnership with a great operator.
“We are really pleased with how the upgrades to the pub have turned out and the new layout maximises the pubs trading potential with different zones” .
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