Individual Restaurants moves into pubs with new venture
Individual Restaurants is moving into the pub sector with the launch of a new venture, Publican Estate, with its first site set to open in the City of London next month.
The group, which operates more than 30 sites across brands including Piccolino, Restaurant Bar & Grill, Riva Blu and Forbici, will open the Last Exchange at Broadgate’s Exchange Square in October.
The 7,000 sq ft pub will have capacity for 238 customers, including 64 outside, and will trade throughout the day from breakfast and coffee through to lunch, after work drinks and dinner. Sundays and private dining will also form part of the offer.
The food menu is being overseen by new group food and beverage director Lee Bull, who brings 25 years of experience across Soho House, Sushisamba and HIX. It will focus on British pub classics, including beef shin pie and battered oysters, alongside a beef mince toastie served with Lea & Perrins gravy.
The drinks offer will include a £5 house pint, The City Scribbler, alongside a wider range of beers.
Tim Shanks, who joins from Urban Pubs and Bars, will oversee the day to day running of the venue.
Publican Estate said the new concept would combine traditional pub standards with a modern approach to hospitality, with the Last Exchange designed to capture both weekday City trade and growing leisure and evening footfall around Liverpool Street.
West Yorkshire operator invests £723k across three Star pubs
West Yorkshire operator TL Inns is investing £723,000 with Star Pubs across three sites after taking on new leases for the pubs.
The investments include £167,000 at the Black Bull in Shepley and £126,000 at the Will O Nats in Huddersfield, both of which TL Inns has operated for the past 18 months.
The largest project is a £430,000 refurbishment of the George Inn in central Leeds, which will reopen in mid November as Irish pub the Galway Girl following a four year closure. The project will create 15 jobs.
The Leeds site will feature two bars, a basement function space and upgraded courtyard, alongside live music, sport and an all day food offer.
The three additions take Tony Lumb’s TL Inns estate to 13 sites, comprising six Star Pubs tenancies and seven freeholds.
Ardent to invest millions in fourth London pub
Ardent Pub Group is set to open its fourth London pub after securing a site on the border of Soho and Covent Garden.
The group will open the Magpie at 142 Shaftesbury Avenue in early 2027, with founder Dominic Jacobs confirming a “multi million pound investment” in the site.
Previously home to Russell Norman’s Ape & Bird and more recently BrewDog Seven Dials, the pub will be restored with elements inspired by its Victorian gin palace heritage.
The opening follows Jacobs’ buyout of Ardent in December 2025 and new US based investment, with further openings planned across London and beyond over the next three to five years.
Ardent currently operates the Cadogan Arms in Chelsea, the George in Fitzrovia and the Hound in Chiswick.
NEOS invests £600k to transform Leeds Revolution
NEOS Hospitality is investing £600,000 to convert its Revolution site on Call Lane in Leeds into a Bonnie Rogues party pub.
The venue closed on 26 September ahead of a major refurbishment and will reopen in November as the sixth Bonnie Rogues in the UK and the brand’s second site in Leeds.
The concept combines live music, sport, food and interactive entertainment with an all day and late night offer.
The conversion forms part of NEOS Hospitality’s repositioning programme following its acquisition of a number of Revolution and Revolución de Cuba sites earlier this year, which doubled its estate to 40 venues.
NEOS is also preparing to open its Barbara’s Bier Haus concept in Leeds in October.
Nancy Spains to open flagship Covent Garden pub
Irish pub group Nancy Spains is set to open its flagship venue in Covent Garden in early December as it continues its UK expansion.
The site at 1 Upper St Martin’s Lane will be the group’s fifth venue, following Shoreditch, Monument and Manchester, with Bristol due to open in November.
Founded by brothers Peter and Nicky O’Halloran, Nancy Spains uses materials and items salvaged from Ireland across its pubs. The Covent Garden site will also feature a separate chemist shop space available for private group bookings.
The opening is expected to create 20 jobs, while Murphy’s Irish Stout will feature as the drinks partner.
Co founder Peter O’Halloran said the flagship would “set the tone for where the brand goes next”, with further UK openings planned for 2027.
Sune team to open Smithfield pub
The team behind Hackney restaurant Sune is set to launch a new pub, dining room, chef’s table and cocktail bar at Smithfield in Farringdon.
Spencer Large, Honey Spencer and Charlie Sims will open the Poet within a historic building beside Smithfield Meat Market, forming part of the six new “Houses” surrounding London Museum’s new home in the General Market.
The Poet will initially open with a pub on the ground floor and dining room above, with food overseen by former Aulis and The Ledbury chef Charlie Tayler. The ground floor will take inspiration from a Victorian pub, with a double height bar, alcoves and snugs alongside ales, wine and spirits.
Its first floor dining room will focus on British pub classics using seasonal produce, alongside Sunday roasts and an extensive wine list selected by Spencer.
Two further concepts are set to follow in the first half of 2027. Envoi will be a 10 seat chef’s table serving a 14 course tasting menu, while attic cocktail bar Shambles will take inspiration from Smithfield’s historic meat trade.
Leisure Works to open first pub in Earlsfield
Hospitality group Leisure Works is set to open its first pub, the Grosvenor Arms, in Earlsfield, London, this November.
The new neighbourhood pub will trade throughout the day, opening for coffee and baked goods before moving into sandwiches, drinks and an evening food offer.
Former Fallow head chef Fergus Wilford will take up a residency in the kitchen from opening until Christmas, following his recent residency at Naughty Piglets. His menu will focus on seasonal British produce and traditional pub dishes.
The bar will offer pub staples and local beers alongside low intervention wines and cocktails.
Leisure Works will also use AI technology behind the scenes to support forecasting, staffing, stock, procurement and menu performance.
Director Dan Jackson said the group’s aim was not to “reinvent” the British pub but to create a community focused local combining traditional hospitality with a more technology driven operating model.
Peyton sisters open third North Norfolk pub
Hospitality operators Siobhan and Caitriona Peyton have expanded their North Norfolk pub collection with the opening of the Three Horseshoes in Warham.
The 18th century inn has reopened following a major refurbishment, adding 10 individually designed bedrooms and newly landscaped gardens alongside an updated food offer.
Executive chef Elliot Ketley, who oversees food across the group, has developed a menu focused on British pub cooking and Norfolk produce.
The Three Horseshoes joins Sculthorpe Mill near Fakenham and the Ship at Brancaster as the sisters’ third pub in the region.
The operators said their strategy was focused on investing in distinctive Norfolk pubs while developing their food and accommodation offers.
Punch acquires Glasgow pub
Punch Pubs & Co has expanded its estate with the acquisition of the James Tassie in Shawlands, Glasgow.
The Kilmarnock Road pub is set to reopen shortly before undergoing a refurbishment later this year.
Punch acquisitions manager Craig Buchanan said the company would focus on ensuring the pub continued to “thrive at the heart of the community”.
The acquisition comes as Punch continues to target both single sites and pub packages as part of its growth plans.
Conexus Pub Group acquires East Finchley pub lease
Conexus Pub Group has acquired the lease of Madden’s Bar in East Finchley, North London.
The established High Road pub has been sold by operator Enda Murray, who is stepping away to focus on other business ventures.
Madden’s operates as a neighbourhood pub with a drinks offer, Thai food and regular live music.
The lease has been acquired by Olivia Isbitt of family owned Conexus Pub Group, which operates pubs across London and the home counties.
Isbitt said the group planned to continue operating Madden’s in its existing format, with the addition of an experienced general manager.
Christie & Co handled the sale for an undisclosed sum.
Butcombe invests £750k in Wiltshire events venue
Butcombe Group has invested £750,000 in a new wedding and events venue at the Methuen Arms in Corsham, Wiltshire.
The Dovecote Barn, which opens this month, will accommodate up to 100 guests for weddings, private celebrations, corporate functions and seasonal events.
The investment comes as wedding revenue across Butcombe increased 37% year on year during the first half, while demand for events and occasions has more than doubled across its estate over the past year.
Chief operating officer Jayson Perfect said the group was considering further opportunities to add event and occasion spaces across its Boutique Inn estate, assessing sites based on factors including location, accommodation, gardens and existing private spaces.
Punch acquires Driffield pub
Punch Pubs & Co has expanded its estate with the acquisition of the Tiger Inn in Driffield.
The pub will undergo a refurbishment later this year before transferring to Punch’s Unity Social division.
Punch acquisitions manager Henry Boshier said the company would focus on ensuring the pub continued to “thrive at the heart of the community”.
Admiral and licensee invest £390k in Altrincham pub
Admiral Taverns and licensee Carl Stonehouse have invested £390,000 in the refurbishment of the Old Packet House in Altrincham.
The Navigation Road pub reopened on 21 September following a full internal refurbishment, including new furniture, flooring, fittings and décor, while retaining original features including three open fireplaces.
Its beer garden has also been upgraded with new seating, heaters and a covered area, alongside improvements to the pub’s exterior.
Stonehouse, who has operated the pub for four years, has also introduced an updated food menu and expanded drinks range, including cask ales, draught lagers, ciders and cocktails.
Historic Northumberland inn hits market for £750k
The Masons Arms in Norham, Northumberland, has been brought to market with a freehold asking price of offers over £750,000.
The Grade II listed former coaching inn, believed to date from the 18th century, includes a traditional pub and food operation alongside nine en suite guest bedrooms and owner’s accommodation.
Located close to the England Scotland border, the property also features an enclosed courtyard and has undergone extensive refurbishment under current owners James and Linda Tomlinson.
The couple are selling the business through Christie & Co as they prepare to retire.
Proper Pubs invests £382k in Felixstowe pub
Proper Pubs has reopened the Falcon in Felixstowe following an investment of more than £382,000.
The pub reopened on 11 September following a full refurbishment, including new décor, a redesigned bar and a dedicated pool and darts area. Outside, the site has gained a new courtyard and garden area.
Operator Dwain Reader, who previously ran a Proper Pubs site in Braintree, will focus on live music, karaoke, quizzes and community fundraising.
Hampshire village pub hits market for £900k
The Abbots Mitre in Chilbolton, Hampshire, has been brought to market with a freehold asking price of £900,000.
The 19th century village pub includes a food and drinks operation, five bedroom accommodation and extensive outdoor space, including a front patio, rear garden and parking for around 38 vehicles.
Owner Steve is selling the pub after 12 years of trading as he prepares to retire.
Christie & Co is handling the sale and said the property represented a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial freehold pub in the Hampshire village.
Dumfries and Galloway pub hits market for £165k
The Crown in Sanquhar, Dumfries and Galloway, has been brought to market with a freehold asking price of £165,000.
The wet led High Street pub includes a 30 capacity public bar, lounge and separate function room with its own bar and space for around 50 customers.
The property also features a beer garden with its own bar and stage, supporting the pub’s regular live entertainment and events offer.
Christie & Co is handling the sale and said the business benefits from a loyal local customer base alongside visitor trade.
Proper Pubs invests £290k in Radcliffe pub
Proper Pubs has reopened the Unicorn in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, following an investment of more than £290,000.
The Bolton Road pub has undergone a full refurbishment, including new fixtures and fittings, an updated bar and a new pool and darts area.
The site has also increased its focus on live sport, with three screens inside and five outside, including four within heated booths.
Local operators Phil Clavering and Kelly Carr, who have more than 30 years of hospitality experience, will run the pub with a focus on live entertainment, sport and community events.
North Yorkshire village pub sold to local couple
The Plough Inn in Sleights, North Yorkshire, has been sold to a local couple who plan to reopen the pub in 2027.
David and Katie Cattley have acquired the Grade II listed pub for an undisclosed sum off a £300,000 freehold asking price.
The Coach Road property includes three letting bedrooms, owners’ accommodation and extensive outdoor trading areas, with views across the Esk Valley.
The couple plan to restore and refurbish the pub while retaining its historic character ahead of reopening next year. Christie & Co handled the sale.
Proper Pubs invests £364k in Halesowen pub
Proper Pubs has reopened the Round of Beef in Halesowen following an investment of more than £364,000.
The Highfield Crescent pub reopened on 11 September following a full refurbishment, including new décor and upgraded facilities for watching live sport.
Its beer garden has also been revamped with patio seating and heating, providing space for up to 40 customers.
Local operator Brogan Graham will run the pub with a focus on live music, karaoke, quizzes, pool and community events.
Admiral and licensee invest £100k in Armadale pub
Admiral Taverns and licensee Chris Pollock have invested £100,000 in the refurbishment of The Regal in Armadale, Scotland.
The West Main Street pub reopened on 15 September following upgrades including new fixtures, flooring and fittings, an updated bar and lounge and two new darts boards.
The pub has also added five 65 inch screens, while its beer garden has been upgraded with new seating for up to 50 customers.
Pollock, who has eight years of hospitality experience, will run the pub with a focus on live entertainment, sport and community events.
