The work formed part of a wider £40m investment pipeline planned across the year, focused on targeted improvements designed to make a visible difference to pubs and their communities.
Projects have included upgrades to pub interiors and exteriors, improvements to outdoor trading areas and changes aimed at helping publicans boost sales while elevating the guest experience.
Alongside physical investment, Pub Partners, which operates more than 3,000 of Stonegate’s 4,500 sites, has expanded support for publicans.
Scale and experience
By drawing on the scale and experience of Stonegate’s managed division, the business has shared insight, best practice and operational expertise to help licensees run stronger and more resilient pubs.
With major trading opportunities on the horizon, including the FIFA World Cup, Stonegate also created dedicated guidance for operators, providing practical tools and ideas to help drive footfall, grow sales and deliver standout experiences during key events.
Demand for leased and tenanted pubs across the estate remains strong, with an average of seven applicants for every pub that becomes available. Publican tenure is also at its strongest level to date, the group said.
Stonegate Pub Partners managing director Dan Castle said the investment underlined the company’s long-term approach to partnership.
Clear correlation
“Completing 160 development schemes in just six months demonstrates both the pace at which our teams are working with publicans to invest in our businesses, and the importance we place on helping them succeed”, he continued.
“What’s particularly encouraging is the clear correlation between investment and pub performance. Businesses where we have invested are outperforming both our internal benchmarks and the wider market, reinforcing the value of targeted, collaborative investment.
“Combined with the strength of demand for our pubs, the quality of our publicans and the support we continue to provide through our scale, insight and expertise, we are confident in the continued growth of the Pub Partners business.”
Earlier this month, Stonegate reported its shift towards a more partnership-led model has improved the resilience of the business, as revenue and profit declined slightly in FY25 but losses narrowed.
