A look at Punch’s acquisitions in the past year

Puzzle pieces showing business acquisition for Punch's pub estate growth
Estate growth: Punch has acquired a number of sites in recent months (Getty Images)

After adding 30 pubs to its estate already this year, The Morning Advertiser has delved into the sites that have joined Punch Pubs in the past 12 months.

February 2026

The group kicked started 2026 with the acquisition of 30 pubs from McMullen’s, strengthening its portfolio across Hertfordshire and Essex.

The sites included the Millstream in Hertford, the Great Eastern Tavern in Hereford and the George IV in Sawbridgeworth, all of which were described as having strong trading histories, established community positions and distinctive heritage.

Punch said the deal represented a small but strategically important addition to its estate as it continues to pursue targeted acquisitions alongside organic growth.

It added the group’s focus remained on long-term partnerships, site investment and supporting publicans and management partners to help their businesses succeed as it works toward the aim of becoming a five-star pub company.

December 2025

Punch added to its growing portfolio with the acquisition of the Millbridge in Plymouth, which joined the pub company’s leased and tenanted arm.

The traditional-style pub sits at the heart of its community and is known for its live music acts, showcasing local talent.

Customer of the pub and former assistant manager Charlie Ringham replaced Jerry Eunson, who had run the site for 38 years.

August 2025

Last summer, Punch revealed plans to double its single-site acquisition run rate in the following 12 months and had deals in its pipeline.

The month saw six new pubs join the estate including the Maverick in Stourbridge, known locally for its live music nights, regularly showcasing local artists and talent alongside a strong ale offer.

It also included traditional site the Hanlon, Birtley, Chester-Le-Street alongside seaside pub the Cob & Pen, Rhyl and 18th century venue the Red Lion in Leek, Staffordshire.

In that six was also two community pubs in Worcester - riverside venue the Kings Head and 17th century site Ye Olde Anchor Inn, both in the historic town of Upton upon Severn.

May 2025

The Engineers Arms in the rural village of Henlow, Bedfordshire was acquired in May and formed part of Punch’s leased and tenanted estate.

The same month saw the Ribs of Beef in Norwich also acquired into the leased and tenanted arm.

The traditional pub was run by Roger and Anthea Cawdron who were at the helm for more than four decades and was taken on by manager Jon Power with his partner Jo Dale, who had worked alongside Roger and Anthea for eight years.

Furthermore, Punch also acquired the Duke of Wellington in Wareham, Dorset.

This town centre site sits just off the high street and features a main bar area and dining room that has long been a popular destination for locals.

April 2025

The business acquired four sites from Leicester-based company Everards. The Old Kings Head in Long Buckby, the Paget in Loughborough, the Cricketers in Leicester and the Dog & Gun in Whetstone joined Punch’s leased and tenanted estate.

At the time, the business said the deal supported its ambition to grow its estate through quality acquisitions.

Furthermore, Punch also acquired the Crown in Staffordshire town, Market Drayton. Rumoured to be one of the oldest pubs in the town, the Crown is also highly valued in its community.

March 2025

Loughborough pub the Swan in the Rushes entered the Punch group from Castle Rock Brewery in March.

The traditional wet-led Leicestershire pub in the centre of the market town has been part of Loughborough’s pub scene for more than 30 years.

February 2025

The second month of last year saw the acquisition of another traditional wet-led pub - the Bull in Ilchester, Somerset.

The pub remained operated by Yvonne Wright who relaunched the site to ensure it continues to be at the heart of the community.