The group is aiming to have all 57 sites fully operational by the end of February next year, with the first venues expected to reopen in mid-November.
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The update follows the group’s announcement earlier today (7 October) that it plans to acquire 57 former Whitbread restaurant sites and one Premier Inn hotel for an undisclosed sum, creating 700 new jobs alongside team members transferring from Whitbread.
Managing director Thomas Anderson told The Morning Advertiser (MA) the group’s priority was to get “as many venues fully trading again as quickly as possible”, with the first sites expected to reopen in mid-November.
“Our aim is to have all sites fully operational by the end of February 2027,” he said.
Local identity
Anderson said the venues would remain “restaurants at heart”, with an all-day food and drink offer for hotel guests and local communities.
“This is an all-day restaurant offer with breakfast, barista-made coffee and meals throughout the day, which will give hotel guests and local residents different reasons to visit, whether they’re meeting friends for a coffee or getting together for an evening meal.”
The restaurants will trade under their individual pub names, with Common Table Group operating as the business behind them.
“Our approach is to give each venue a local identity, shaped by its team and community,” Anderson added.
Team transfer
Anderson said supporting teams and ensuring a smooth transition was a priority.
“They know these venues and their communities, and we want them to play an important role in shaping what comes next,” he added.
Alongside transferring colleagues, the group will recruit additional team members as the venues reopen.
Asked whether further acquisitions could follow, Anderson said the immediate priority was reopening the venues, supporting teams through the transition and investing in the guest experience.
