The four-strong group, established in 2008 as a premium pub operation, is run by founder and managing director Sam Hagger and reported growth of 36.24% in Q2 with like for like sales up 9.03% compared with growth of 27.54% and like for likes of 4.97% in the previous quarter.
Headline performance was given a boost by the acquisition for the Old Horse in Leicester in November 2024 and it said warmer weather and ongoing investment continue to help drive the business forward.
A joint investment with long-standing partners Everards of Leicestershire saw more than £300,000 put into the refurbishment of the Rutland & Derby Arms in Leicester city centre which the company said was already showing a return, along with a refresh of its award-winning gastropub Knight & Garter puts the company in a strong position.
A further £1.1m joint investment, with Everards, into the Old Horse is now on the cards for 2026.
Passion fuelled growth
Hagger said: “As we approach our 17th year in business, our growth continues to be fuelled by our passion for evolving our pubs, expanding guest occasions and delivering outstanding hospitality.
“Every commercial decision we make is weighed not only on its impact to the P&L, but also how it benefits our incredible teams and the communities we operate in.”
Hagger, who is also an Ambassador for the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), added: “It’s a shame our Government doesn’t take the same approach to hospitality as we do to our pubs.
“Increased taxation this year has cost our business more than £200,000, which directly impacts our ability to grow our estate, support our communities and create rewarding jobs.”