Founder and chairman Tim Martin said: “Like most pubcos and individuals we’re more cautious following the pandemic and the inflation and tax increases of the years since.
“We’re pushing ahead a bit now, trying to open in sites which will do well in good times and bad,” Martin continued.
“Recent Governments have taken centre stage in our industry in recent decades – we hope they row back from punishing hospitality and give us tax parity with supermarkets – necessary for job creation and a reversal of high street dereliction.”
The year began with the expansion of JDW’s partnership with holiday park operator Haven, which saw £6.7m invested in four new pubs at coastal destinations: Cleethorpes Beach in Lincolnshire, Devon Cliffs in Devon, Kent Coast in Kent and Haggerston Castle in Northumberland.
Larger developments
The openings form part of Haven’s wider £8.3m food and beverage investment for 2025, which also includes new Burger King outlets at two other parks, following a broader £100m upgrade programme across its sites in 2024.
In London, JDW has pushed forward with several larger developments. The Walham Green at Fulham Broadway opened in July following a £3m investment, while the new Paddington Basin pub at Merchant Square accounted for a further £1m.
Two additional London openings followed in September: the Sun Wharf in Greenwich, a £2.75m riverside venue, and the Lion & Unicorn at Waterloo Station, representing a £2m investment.
Beyond the capital, JDW is preparing to open two new pubs in Beaconsfield and Wetherby before Christmas, with a combined investment of £4m.
Alongside new sites, the company has also channelled significant capital into its existing estate. Recent refurbishments include £2m upgrades at pubs in Bracknell and Lancaster and a £1m refurbishment in Chester, contributing a further £5m to the year’s investment total.
Company commitment
The group also signed a new franchise agreement with The Papas Group in September, allowing the fish and chip restaurant operator to run JDW-branded pubs in coastal towns.
The first site to open as part of the multi-unit agreement will be the Hykeham Manor, located in Gateway Park, Lincoln, on the site of a former Gateway Park Brewers Fayre, which will welcome customers on Wednesday 1 October.
A further three pubs are set to open in October and November at sites in Annitsford, Cramlington, Stockton-on-Tees and Emersons Green in Bristol.
In its October trading update, JDW said it remained “well placed to succeed despite cost pressures”, with chairman Tim Martin reaffirming the company’s commitment to long-term growth, regional job creation and continued investment in pub openings and refurbishments across its 800-strong estate.