Operators

Nest franchise aims for expansion

Video Exclusive

Greene King aim to build Nest to last

By Ed Bedington

As Greene King launch its first Nest franchise site, the MA caught up with franchise operations director Penny Baldwin to find out more.

What's in the news 22 March?

Review of the Week

'We do it for love, it's certainly not for the money'

By Ed Bedington

The Morning Advertiser's Ed Bedington met up with award winning publican and campaigner Emma Gibbon of the Plough and the Hewlett Arms to get her take on the week's news, from falling inflation to pub closures.

Business results: the trading update from JD Wetherspoon covered the 26-week period to 28 January 2024 (image: Getty/PeopleImages)

JDW ‘has potential for 1,000 sites’

By Nikkie Thatcher

Pub giant JD Wetherspoon (JDW) identified the possibility of increasing its estate by just under a quarter (23%), in its latest trading update.

Cask and keg: Adam Mayers of Hydes Brewery

TV show-themed beers from Hydes

By Gary Lloyd

Hydes Brewery will be producing seasonal beers throughout 2024 based on TV shows from the 1980s and 1990s.

Trading update: Sarah Willingham-led Nightcap acquired The Piano Works in February 2024

Nightcap positive despite tough trading in 2024

By Gary Lloyd

Nightcap – the operator of about 50 bars under brands including The Cocktail Club, Barrio Familia, the Adventure Bar Group and The Piano Works – expects trading to continue to be tough in 2024 but is positive for the future.

What's in the news 15 March

Review of the Week

‘Confidence is starting to rise’

By Ed Bedington

The Morning Advertiser's Ed Bedington caught up with the BII's Steve Alton to get his take on the week's news, ahead of his epic trip to Kenya for Pedalling 4 Pubs.

Integrity & progression: Abi Dunn advised on management retention

MA LEADERS

What matters to your managers?

By Amelie Maurice-Jones

Abi Dunn, the founder of hospitality recruitment agency Sixty Eight People, advised on how to retain managers at the MA Leaders conference in Liverpool last week.

Corner plot: North Laine Brewhouse is stand-out pub in Brighton

Laine’s flagship Brighton pub building on market

By Gary Lloyd

The freehold site of Laine Pub Company’s flagship pub has been placed on the market – but the pubco insists the sale won’t affect the pub and it will be business as usual.

Raise a glass: Richard and Donna English celebrate two decades behind the bar

Couple celebrates 20 years behind bar

By Amelie Maurice-Jones

Licensees of the Cavendish Arms, Cartmel, Cumbria, have received an award to mark their 20th anniversary at the pub, which is the oldest in the village.

 City landscape: (l-r) Elaine Clarke of Baa Bar, John Ennis of GSG Hospitality and Iain Hoskins of Ma Pubs set the scene in Liverpool with The Morning Advertiser's Ed Bedington

MA LEADERS

What is operating in Liverpool like?

By Nikkie Thatcher

A buoyant Saturday trade, the impact of businesses continuing to work from home and the need for stronger infrastructure were three of the topics discussed when it comes to operating in the seaport city.

Who is behind lesbian bar La Camionera London

Meet the founder of London’s new lesbian bar

By Amelie Maurice-Jones

The founder of a new east London lesbian bar, which has hit its fundraising target of £50,000 to launch a permeant venue, has opened up about future plans.

Sector celebration: many female operators have had their say on #InspiringInclusion for International Women's Day

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2024

Female operators share how the sector can #InspireInclusion

By Rebecca Weller

The Morning Advertiser has spoken to a number of female operators leading the on-trade in 2024 to hear how the industry can #InspireInclusion this International Women's Day (IWD).

Sector overview: The duo outlined challenges and future hopes

Hickory’s CEO ‘excited’ for future

By Amelie Maurice-Jones

Hickory’s founder Neil McDonnell and pub owner James Kowszun outlined the opportunities in the sector at the MA Leaders Conference in Liverpool yesterday (7 March).

Latest acquisition: The Piano Works concept is now in the Sarah Willingham-led Nightcap portfolio

Nightcap acquires The Piano Works

By Gary Lloyd

Nightcap – the operator of 46 bars under brands including The Cocktail Club, Barrio Familia and the Adventure Bar Group – has acquired live entertainment concept The Piano Works.

Administration sale: Rekom UK sold for £19.5m (Pictured: Rekom UK chairman Peter Marks)

Rekom UK sold for £19.5m

By MCA

The assets of late-night operator Rekom UK were sold to a connected party for £19.5m in a pre-pack administration process.