The London-based pubco swooped in to take five sites on board last week (9 January), including four from Brunning & Price.
Its latest pub is the sixth acquisition of 2026 and is located in Columbia Road, east London, and the pubco, which operates more than 60 sites, acquired Albion & East in October last year too.
On the move to take over the Birdcage, Urban Pubs & Bars managing director Chris Hill said: “We are delighted to continue our fast start to the year by acquiring such an iconic east London pub.
Confidence to invest in London
“The strength of our underlying performance, driven by our brilliant team of operators, gives us the confidence to further invest in London. We look forward to welcoming all the team at the Birdcage into the Urban family.”
Meanwhile, BrewDog confirmed the closing of the site and subsequent sale of the pub to Urban Pubs & Bars.
A spokesperson for BrewDog said: “Following a compelling unsolicited offer from Urban Pubs & Bars, we have agreed to sell the Birdcage, a BrewDog pub on Columbia Road in east London.
“All staff will transfer to the new owners under their existing employment terms.”
Continuity for staff
BrewDog said the transfer of staff members will take place under TUPE “ensuring continuity, job security and protection of existing employment terms”.
The Scottish operator’s description of the Birdcage on its website reads: “This extra-special pub is just a stone’s throw from Columbia Road flower market, with plenty of parkside seating to admire those early evening sunsets and kick off your east-end nights out.”
Urban Pubs & Bars, which is a finalist in two categories of The Publican Awards 2026, confirmed its acquisitions last week as 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.
