The leased, tenanted and franchise arm of Greene King launched its first franchise concept, Hive Pubs, in 2021. There are currently more than 50 Hive sites across the UK.
In 2024 the division introduced its second franchise model, Nest Pubs, which now boasts more than 10 pubs in its portfolio.
Hive Pubs are community focussed venues that combine a varied food offer with live sport and a vibrant event calendar.
Pivotal moment
Meanwhile Nest Pubs are drinks led pubs predominantly located on busy high streets combining a pizza and pie food offer with live sport and events.
Greene King said the milestone marked a “pivotal moment” in the evolution of its franchise offer, which is accredited by the British Franchise Association (BFA) and expanded into Scotland for the first time this year.
To support the rapid growth and expansion of its franchise pub business, Greene King has made significant investments to refurbish and transform its franchise pubs in line with the Hive Pub and Nest Pub franchise concepts.
As the franchise estate has grown, Greene King’s franchise partners have also played an active role in shaping and evolving the Hive Pubs and Nest Pubs concepts.
Franchise partners regularly collaborate with Greene King to steer menu development, marketing initiatives and more, helping to further drive the growth of Greene King’s franchise business.
Having now reached a national footprint through its 80 franchise pubs, Greene King’s franchisees have also developed a support network across the UK, enabling them to collaborate with one another and provide practical support and valuable advice for each other.
With more openings in the pipeline, the Suffolk-based operator and brewer said it was committed to continue growing its franchise pub business, while also maintaining and investing in its established estate.
Fantastic milestone
Both concepts provide franchisees with a ready-to-trade pub and proven business model for as little as £3,000 in-going cost. Franchisees earn through a combination of profit and turnover share.
Greene King Pub Partners managing director Dan Robinson said: “We’ve developed a strong, scalable franchise model that complements Greene King’s successful leased, tenanted and managed businesses through unique pub concepts that play in different market segments to our core business.
“Reaching 80 franchise pubs is a fantastic milestone for us and a clear sign that our franchise strategy is working.
“We’re not stopping here – there’s plenty more to come as we continue to expand our franchise operation and maintain our highly successful leased and tenanted pub business.”
