BNF Hospitality, the London based hospitality arm of BNF Capital, has acquired the historic Ledbury Road pub and appointed Public House Group to oversee its operation.
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BNF Capital is an existing backer of Public House Group, having supported the operator’s expansion, while a BNF Hospitality company also holds a significant minority stake in the business.
Estate size
The deal takes Public House Group’s pub estate to eight sites and follows the opening of the Horses in Clerkenwell last month.
Its portfolio also includes the Pelican in Notting Hill, the Hero in Maida Vale, the Fat Badger on Golborne Road, the Hart in Marylebone and the Bull in Charlbury, Oxfordshire.
The Bull was named Best Pub for Food at the 2025 Great British Pub Awards.
Dating back to 1845, the Walmer Castle will continue to operate with its existing team, menu and drinks offer following the acquisition.
Wren Pubs
The pub was acquired by Wren Pubs in March 2023 and reopened later that year following a full refurbishment.
Wren said the site had generated sales of more than £4.5m since reopening.
The operator said the disposal reflected a wider strategy to increase its focus on Chelsea, where it operates the Surprise and is preparing to open a new flagship site at 7 Sloane Square.
Wren Pubs founder Jack Greenall said: “This sale represents a fantastic return on investment for us, and we couldn’t think of a better group to take on the pub.
“The team at Public House Group are one of the best in London and I have no doubt they will further the success of this beloved pub.”
He added the group was now looking to expand its operations in London.
BNF Hospitality said the venue had established itself as a neighbourhood pub for food and drink and would continue to welcome existing regulars and local customers.
Wren has recently sold the Carpenter’s Arms, which was subsequently taken on by James Blunt, with the Walmer Castle disposal representing another change within its estate.
