The leased, tenanted and franchise division of Greene King received 1,449 applications during the six months, its highest number for a half year period.
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The business said demand was particularly strong given occupancy across its estate stands at 97%, with an average partner tenure of more than eight years.
As a result, Greene King said there were 26 applications for each pub available to let during the period.
First time operators
More than half of applicants, 52%, applied to run their first pub, which Greene King said highlighted the appeal of the partnership model for operators seeking to run their own business with support from an established pub company and brewer.
London and the South East accounted for 23% of applicants, while 22% were looking for opportunities in the North West and Yorkshire.
More than 10% expressed an interest in Wales and the South West.
The data also showed 20% of applicants wanted to run pubs only in towns and city centres, while 14% were interested only in rural or coastal sites.
Dan Robinson, MD of Greene King Pub Partners, said: “It’s incredibly encouraging to see record numbers of people wanting to run their own pubs in partnership with Greene King, demonstrating continued appeal and trust in the partnership pub model.
“Running a pub is an incredibly rewarding opportunity, especially for those looking to build their own business whilst also playing a vital role in their community. We’re fully committed to giving our partners the support, investment and expertise they need to succeed, so they can thrive in their local communities.”
Investment support
Greene King Pub Partners said it had spent £500,000 so far this year supporting publicans with marketing for key events including the World Cup, Six Nations and St Patrick’s Day.
The business has also invested almost £10m in upgrades and refurbishments across its partnership pubs during the first half of the year, including full pub refits, garden investments and extensions.
A further £17m is planned before the end of the year.
The update comes after the Pubs Code Adjudicator’s 2026 Annual Tied Pub Tenant Survey showed 71% overall satisfaction among Greene King Pub Partners tenants, compared with a 56% average across the six biggest partnership pub companies.
Greene King also came joint first in the pub industry’s Licensee Index, with 75% overall satisfaction compared with a 68% average across the six biggest partnership pub companies.
