Established in 2014 by Nick Pring and Malcolm Heap, the group has accelerated its growth strategy over the past seven months, combining multi-million-pound capital spend with strategic estate expansion.
From high-profile Victorian pub revivals to the acquisition of established multi-site operators, the independent London-based pubco has continued to build scale while doubling down on its neighbourhood-led, food-focused model.
Going back to summer 2025, the pubco relaunched the Sun of Camberwell in south London following a £1m refurbishment.
Located on Coldharbour Lane, the venue reopened on 6 June after a six-week closure, unveiling a comprehensive upgrade including a revamped kitchen, refreshed interiors and newly landscaped front and rear outdoor spaces.
Momentum continued into July last year with the reopening of the Highbury Barn Tavern in north London.
Community-focused
The historic pub, which dates back to 1840, welcomed customers back on 17 July following a £500,000 refurbishment.
With capacity for 200 guests across bar, dining room and snug spaces, the revamp balanced heritage features with modern updates, including a newly built back bar and improved outdoor seating.
Sara O’Neil, formerly of the Gatehouse in Highgate Village, was appointed as head chef and created a new menu focusing on modern pub classics using local suppliers.
In October 2025, Urban Pubs & Bars turned its attention to another Victorian landmark, announcing plans to reopen St John’s Tavern in Archway following a £1m investment.
The pub reopened at the end of the month with a design-led refurbishment aimed at preserving its original character while introducing modern detailing, an upgraded kitchen, an improved garden and an extended lounge.
With space for 250 guests across multiple trading areas, the menu centred on seasonal British fare with community-focused events such as oyster nights and monthly supper clubs also built into the offer.
Alongside site-specific investment, Urban Pubs & Bars augmented its estate growth by acquiring four all-day venues from Albion & East: Teatro Hall in Ealing, Canova Hall in Brixton, Botanica Hall in Clapham Junction and Serata Hall in the City of London. All existing team members transferred as part of the deal.
Strong demand
Earlier in the year, the group also acquired Martello Hall from Albion & East, relaunching it as the London Fields following significant investment.
That expansion continued into January 2026, when Urban Pubs & Bars announced the acquisition of five further venues in the capital, taking its total estate to 65 sites.
The deals, which completed on Monday 19 January, included four established venues from Brunning & Price – the Roebuck and the Steam Packet in Chiswick, the Queens in Crouch End and Coco Momo in Kensington – alongside the Prince Regent in Herne Hill.
In addition, last week the company took over the Birdcage in east London from BrewDog.
The latest acquisitions further cement Urban’s position as London’s largest independent pub group, with annual sales now exceeding £100m.
Managing director Chris Hill said the continued investment reflected confidence in the capital’s hospitality market, citing strong demand and robust like-for-like growth across the estate.
