Greenall, who founded the three-strong independent London pub group back in 2021, says hospitality operators in the capital like himself are facing ‘constant licensing battles’ as a result of noise complaints or spot checks on pavement licenses even when they’re following the rules.
“It doesn’t feel like a climate that encourages growth and investment,” he says.
“You read stories of local authorities being encouraged to allow terraces and al fresco dining, but then if someone moves in three doors down to a pub that’s been there since 1850 and they decide they don’t like the amount of noise from people having a chat over a pint it’s given far too much oxygen by the local authorities.
“If we put a DJ on the roof or a pop-up nightclub on the pavement then of course that isn’t acceptable, but when we’re working within the parameters and expectations of a London pub, to be constantly talking to our own licensing lawyers about the council is expensive and not helpful. And it puts fear into us.”
Wren’s estate currently encompasses The Surprise in Chelsea (pictured below), The Walmer Castle in Notting Hill, and The Carpenter’s Arms in Hammersmith.
Pricing people out
In terms of the impact of broader government decisions, Greenall describes the regular rises to the minimum wage and national living wage as a move that’s pricing young people out of the jobs market,
He also notes that at one of his pubs the impact of the business rates overhaul unveiled by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in last year’s budget will see the annual bill rise by 45% even after the 15% discount announced earlier this year is applied.
“It doesn’t feel like the government or local authorities are working together to encourage those of us that are willing to take the risk to invest and develop our businesses in London.
“People forget that you don’t start with a successful business, it takes a huge amount of hard work, thought and risk. And even if you are successful, you’re faced with this barrage of regulation and restriction.”
Despite this, Wren, which recently announced it will open its fourth pub in Sloane Square, taking over the former Botanist site, later this year, is focused on expansion.
“It doesn’t put us off expansion as we believe in hospitality,” Greenall continues. “London is a really exciting, vibrant city, but the penny needs to drop.”
He adds that the group is fortunate to have ‘phenomenally supportive local resident associations and councillors’ backing it.
In terms of expansion, Greenall says he doesn’t see Wren growing its estate much beyond the 10-site mark with the focus currently on getting to four or five pubs in central London.
“We don’t want a mad rush of openings, but as opportunities present themselves, we would like to take them.”
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