The deals will complete on 19 January with the operator of more than 60 pubs demonstrating its mettle as it targets expansion.
Urban Pubs & Bars, which is a finalist in two categories of The Publican Awards 2026, has picked up a package of four established sites from Brunning & Price and the Prince Regent in Herne Hill.
The Brunning & Price venues comprise the Roebuck and the Steam Packet, which are both in Chiswick, west London; the Queens in Crouch End, north London; and Coco Momo in Kensington, west London.
Other acquisitions
These latest acquisitions follow a period of “sustained growth” for Urban Pubs & Bars, which has included multiple openings and acquisitions throughout 2025 and the recent acquisition of the four-strong Albion & East pubco – also in London.
With the addition of the five sites announced on Friday 9 January, Urban Pubs & Bars now operates 65 venues across London, delivering annual sales in excess of £100m, which the business said is “firmly establishing the group as the capital’s leading independent pub operator”.
Urban Pubs & Bars managing director Chris Hill said: “Well-run, well-positioned businesses are thriving in the capital. We’re seeing robust demand across our estate and strong like-for-like growth, which gives us the confidence to keep investing.
“These latest acquisitions are exactly the kind of sites we look for and we’re excited about the opportunities they present as we continue to grow our London estate.”
‘Iconic’ Victorian pub
The group announced it was reopening St John’s Tavern in Archway in November last year after a £1m investment at the “iconic” Victorian pub.
Hill said at the time: ““St John’s Tavern is one of north London’s true gems, a classic Victorian pub with an incredible history and a loyal local following.
“Our investment ensures it remains a neighbourhood favourite while evolving into something fresh and exciting.”
Urban Pubs & Bars was founded by Malc Heap and Nick Pring, and is backed by Davidson Kempner and Global Mutual. The business focuses on acquiring and operating premium, neighbourhood-led venues.
