Portobello to reopen former JDW freehold as The Falconbrook
Portobello Pub Company is to relaunch The Asparagus in Battersea as The Falconbrook, following its acquisition of the freehold from JD Wetherspoon in 2024.
The Battersea pub, located a short walk from Clapham Junction, was purchased from JD Wetherspoon for an undisclosed sum as part of Portobello’s ongoing estate expansion across London and the South East.
The operator has since confirmed that refurbishment works are now underway, with the site set to reopen under the new identity in the coming weeks.
Portobello has said that the relaunch will align with its core offer of food-led pubs focused on hospitality, service and design-led interiors.
Brunning and Price begins restoration of Tidbury Green Farmhouse
Brunning and Price has begun restoration work on Tidbury Green Farmhouse in Solihull, with plans to open the site as a new pub, The Mallard, later this year.
The Grade II listed farmhouse dates back to the 17th century and has been under the group’s control since 2019.
Works will see the main building and outbuildings brought together to form a destination pub, with a large central bar, a mix of open barn-style spaces and more intimate rooms, and a terrace overlooking landscaped gardens and an existing pond.
The site’s historic features will be retained where possible, including original materials and a loft ‘Cheese Room’, while interiors will be reworked to deliver a traditionally furnished pub with wooden floors, open fires and a layout designed to support both drinking and dining trade.
Food and drink will follow Brunning and Price’s established format, with cask ales, classic British cooking, accessible wines and a broad spirits range.
The group expects to open the pub by the end of summer, subject to progress on site, and plans to recruit a team of around 50 staff across front and back of house roles ahead of launch.
Hampstead pub The Stag to reopen following refurbishment
A Young’s pub, The Stag in Hampstead, is set to reopen tomorrow (22 January) following a comprehensive refurbishment, introducing a reworked layout, upgraded outdoor space and an expanded drinks and events offer.
The refurb introduces a dedicated first-floor private events space designed to support group bookings and celebrations. The new area spans three interconnected rooms and includes its own bar facilities and outdoor terrace access.
Externally, the garden has been upgraded, with the addition of a permanent outdoor bar and screens for major sporting fixtures. A new garden room has also been added, designed to support year-round use.
Behind the bar, the pub will operate a rotating craft beer line-up, with five changing taps alongside established core brands and a seasonally changing martini menu.
Food will be served throughout the day, with a menu focused on updated pub classics and sharing dishes, including rotisserie chicken, wings and toasties. Sunday roasts will continue as a core part of the offer.
Star Pins opens at Liverpool School Lane
Bowling and competitive socialising concept Star Pins has officially opened at School Lane in Liverpool, marking the brand’s second site following its launch in Coventry.
The new venue opened last week (15 January), taking over a former Roxy Lanes unit as part of a repositioning by operator Professionals at Play.
The site introduces Star Pins’ family-friendly, day-to-night format to the city centre, while the operator’s remaining Roxy venues in Liverpool will continue to trade as over-18 concepts.
It features ten-pin bowling alongside a broader activity mix including ice-free curling, tech darts, karaoke, shuffleboard and a new arcade offer.
Professionals at Play said the Liverpool opening reflects growing demand for more inclusive social entertainment venues that can flex between daytime and evening audiences, while allowing clearer differentiation between its Star Pins and Roxy brands.
Urban Pubs & Bars adds six sites to London estate
Urban Pubs & Bars has completed the acquisition of six London venues as part of its ongoing growth strategy, further strengthening its position as the capital’s largest independent pub operator.
The acquisitions include The Prince Regent in Herne Hill and four sites acquired from Brunning & Price: The Roebuck and The Steam Packet in Chiswick, The Queens in Crouch End and Coco Momo in Kensington.
This was followed by the purchase of The Birdcage in East London from BrewDog, marking the group’s sixth acquisition of the year.
With the additions, Urban Pubs & Bars now operates 65 venues across London. Managing director Chris Hill said the acquisitions reflect continued confidence in London trading conditions and strong underlying performance across the group’s estate.
Shepherd Neame to reopen The Hoop and Grapes following £1.8m refurbishment
Shepherd Neame is set to reopen its Grade II-listed Farringdon pub, The Hoop and Grapes, on 4 February following a £1.8m refurbishment.
The historic pub has been closed since 2019 during redevelopment works in the surrounding area. Shepherd Neame began a comprehensive restoration programme in October, aimed at re-establishing the site as a premium city pub while preserving its architectural and cultural heritage.
Arranged across five storeys, the reopened Hoop and Grapes will offer three distinct trading spaces. The ground floor will operate as a traditional London pub, opening onto a courtyard garden; the first floor provides additional seating; while the top floor will house a piano room designed for private dining and small group bookings.
The food offer will focus on seasonal, locally sourced produce with an emphasis on relaxed, shareable dishes. The drinks range will centre on Shepherd Neame’s Kentish ales and lagers, supported by English wines and a curated cocktail list.
