Independent operator Beautiful Pubs Collective is set to reopen The Old Horse in Leicester later this month following a £1m joint investment with Everards.
The site has undergone a full refurbishment, including a redesigned main bar, new dining space and the addition of an open pizza kitchen.
The all-day offer has been expanded to include quicker-service options such as toasties alongside a broader food menu.
The pub’s garden, described as ‘Leicester’s largest’, has also been redeveloped to support higher capacity and improved service, with the addition of a full-service outdoor bar, a beer garden kitchen and an ice cream kiosk.
The project marks the fourth site in Beautiful Pubs Collective’s Leicestershire estate as the group continues to develop premium, differentiated pub concepts.
Founder Sam Hagger said: “This project represents one of our most ambitious redevelopments to date. We began the plan for the reimagining The Old Horse 18 months ago, working closely with Everards to balance the heritage of this much‑loved pub with the operational standards and guest experience expected in today’s market.”
“We’re now entering the final delivery phase and looking forward to welcoming guests back as we become a major destination for Leicester for summer and beyond.”
Horsemen and Fitzgerald’s to open at Broadgate
A new dual-concept pub and restaurant, The Horsemen and Fitzgerald’s, is set to open at No.1 Broadgate in the City of London this April.
The venue will comprise two distinct spaces, with The Horsemen operating as an Irish-style freehouse focused on draught Guinness, whiskey and live racing, alongside Fitzgerald’s, a 45-cover dining room offering a more formal, grill-led menu.
The concept combines Irish pub traditions with American influences, with an all-day food offer.
The site will open in phases, with The Horsemen launching next week on 7 April followed by Fitzgerald’s on 13 April.
Wren Pubs secures Sloane Square site for fourth London pub
Independent operator Wren Pubs has secured the lease for 7 Sloane Square in Chelsea, previously occupied by The Botanist, as it continues to expand its West London portfolio.
The group, founded by Jack Greenall, plans to refurbish the site following completion of the lease in June 2026, with the venue set to reopen as a neighbourhood pub. The project will return the building to its original use, with interiors designed to reflect the history of the site and surrounding area.
The pub will retain its late licence, trading until 1am, with live music forming part of the weekly offer. The food and drink proposition will focus on seasonal produce and independent suppliers, alongside a cocktail-led drinks list.
Located close to the Royal Court Theatre, the site will also introduce pre- and post-theatre menus to target local audiences and visitors to the area.
The opening will mark Wren Pubs’ fourth site, following recent acquisitions including Carpenter’s Arms and Walmer Castle, as the group continues to grow its presence across West London.
Heartwood acquires Lord Bute in Dorset
Heartwood Collection has acquired The Lord Bute in Highcliffe, Dorset, as it continues to expand its pub with rooms portfolio.
The site sits adjacent to the group’s existing pub, The Oaks, and will be redeveloped to form an extension of the venue.
Plans include the addition of 19 bedrooms, enabling The Oaks to operate as a pub with rooms for the first time, alongside a refurbishment of the existing pub.
The acquisition marks Heartwood’s third site in Dorset and forms part of its wider growth strategy, with the business targeting 500 bedrooms by June 2027.
CEO Richard Ferrier said the group plans to invest significantly in both properties, with reopening expected in autumn.
Temple Bar in Southampton reopens after £123k investment
The Temple Bar on Shirley Street in Southampton has reopened following a £123k joint investment from licensee Roy Barrett and Admiral Taverns.
The refurbishment includes a full internal upgrade with new fixtures, fittings and flooring, alongside a new bar, games area and snug. The site now features darts, a pool table and multiple screens to support live sport and entertainment.
Externally, the pub has been refreshed with new lighting, signage and decoration, with improvements also made to the beer garden.
Barrett, who has 15 years of industry experience, said the focus is on creating a family and dog-friendly community venue.
Fairham in Nottingham reopens after £573k investment
The Fairham on Farnborough Road in Clifton, Nottingham, has reopened following a £572,832 refurbishment by Proper Pubs, the community wet-led division of Admiral Taverns.
The investment marks Proper Pubs’ largest capex project to date and includes a full internal upgrade with new flooring, fixtures and fittings, alongside a new main bar, snug and games area featuring pool tables and darts. Multiple screens have also been installed to support live sport.
Externally, the site has been redeveloped with updated lighting, signage and fencing, alongside three refurbished garden areas with capacity for around 180 guests.
Operator Aaron Hessing said the refurbishment has strengthened the pub’s role as a community hub, with plans for regular live music, themed events and local fundraising initiatives.
Heartwood opens Potter’s Heron in Hampshire
Heartwood Inns has opened The Potter’s Heron in Ampfield, Hampshire, marking its 36th pub and eighth pub with rooms.
The site has undergone an extensive refurbishment and comprises a pub, terrace and 58 bedrooms, alongside a food and drink offer focused on seasonal menus and local suppliers.
The venue includes a front terrace with capacity for over 100 covers, while the bedrooms range from entry-level rooms to larger formats, with family and dog-friendly options also available.
Jack O’Newbury to open in Berkshire next month
A new pub with rooms, The Jack O’Newbury, is set to open in Binfield, Berkshire, this May from chef Dom Chapman and restaurateur Nigel Sutcliffe.
The site has undergone a two-year renovation of a former village inn and will comprise an 80-cover restaurant and terrace, 11 bedrooms and a kitchen garden set within two acres of grounds.
The food offer will focus on seasonal British produce, with an all-day menu spanning breakfast, lunch and dinner, alongside a traditional Sunday roast. The drinks list will include local ales, English wines and a cocktail selection.
The opening marks the first joint venture between Chapman, formerly of The Fat Duck Group and The Royal Oak Paley Street, and Sutcliffe, who has held senior roles across a number of hospitality venues in the Home Counties.
The venue will also include a pavilion space for private events and weddings, positioning it as a destination-led rural hospitality site.
Cellar Club opens in Bermondsey
A new cocktail bar, The Cellar Club, has launched beneath Italian restaurant Flour & Grape in Bermondsey, introducing a late-night, drinks-led concept to the site.
Developed by hospitality entrepreneur Nick Crispini, the underground venue operates as a separate concept, designed to complement the restaurant while driving additional evening trade.
The bar focuses on a concise cocktail list with signature serves priced at £10, alongside low and no-alcohol options and a small snacks offering.
The launch reflects a wider trend of operators maximising existing sites through secondary concepts, with The Cellar Club positioned as both a standalone destination and an extension of the restaurant above.
Chalk Hare opens in Royston following renovation
The Chalk Hare has opened on Melbourn Street in Royston following the redevelopment of Banyers House, joining the Acorn Pub Company estate.
The venue features a bar, dining areas, a garden room, terrace and a private dining space, alongside nine guest bedrooms.
The pub is operated by landlord Russell and head chef Sergiu, with support from Acorn’s existing sites including the Royal Foresters in Ascot and the Akeman in Tring.
The opening marks the latest addition to Acorn’s portfolio, with the group continuing to focus on pub with rooms formats alongside food-led community sites.
Old King John in Hastings brought to market for £415k
Fleurets has been instructed to market The Old King John in Ore, near Hastings, with a guide price of £415k for the freehold.
The wet-led community pub, which dates back to the late 1860s, is the only pub in the village and has been operated by its current owners for nearly 20 years.
The site includes traditional bar areas, a rear garden and a strong local following, with regular live music and participation in local pub games leagues.
Fleurets said the sale presents an opportunity to acquire an established, community-focused pub in a well-supported village location.
Wetherspoon to open two pubs at Barcelona airport
JD Wetherspoon is set to open two pubs at Josep Tarradellas Barcelona El Prat Airport, marking a further step in its international expansion.
The sites will be located airside, with the first opening in Terminal 1 in September 2026 and the second in Terminal 2 in January 2027. Together, the venues will offer more than 5,700 sq ft of customer space with capacity for almost 600 guests.
The pubs will be operated by Ibersol Group, a major franchised operator across Spain and Portugal, and will trade from 5am to 11pm daily.
NEOS to rebrand Southampton and Bristol sites
NEOS Hospitality has confirmed plans to rebrand two sites acquired through its recent Revolution Bars deal, with venues in Southampton and Bristol set to transition into its core concepts.
The Southampton site will relaunch as Barbara’s Bier Haus, while the Bristol venue will be redeveloped into a Bonnie Rogues. Both sites will undergo refurbishment ahead of reopening, with timelines yet to be confirmed.
