Stonegate, said the “record investment” during Q1 2026 helped to enhance service and support for its Pub Partners.
This included improvements to its Trade on Tap online ordering platform, strengthening its central operations and communications as well as ongoing work to its business data tools, Pub Hub and My Pub.
Looking ahead, the Solihull-based pubco pledged a development pipeline of more than £30m for the remainder of the year for its Pub Partners sites.
Targeted improvements
The funding will see the launch of a new co-investment programme in early 2026, designed to unlock opportunities through targeted improvements to interiors, better use of outdoor spaces, and preparation for major trading events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Stonegate Pub Partners managing director Dan Castle said: “Our record Q1 spend and £40m pipeline reflects our ongoing commitment to being a supportive, long-term partner to our publicans.
“We have a brilliantly diverse estate of businesses, each at the heart of their communities and run by some exceptional entrepreneurial partners.
“Alongside property investment, we’re continuing to innovate and improve the systems and support our publicans need to succeed. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and excited about what’s to come as we continue to invest, improve and innovate.”
Exploring options
At the end of last year, Stonegate confirmed it was exploring options for its 1,000-strong “Platinum” leased and tenanted estate, following a report in The Sunday Times that Britain’s biggest pub group is preparing a £1bn sell off.
In November, a Stonegate spokesperson told The Morning Advertiser (The MA): “We are looking at options for the Platinum portfolio, of circa 1,000 leased and tenanted pubs, which could include a refinancing, partial sale, or full sale of the Platinum sites.
“However, as we explained to our bondholders, no decisions have been made. We are continuing to make good progress on our transformation strategy.”
Though in December, Stonegate’s community led model, Craft Union, “outperformed the market”. Managing director Frazer Grimbleby attributed the 650-strong brand’s success to “keeping community at the heart of the business”.
