Operators

Sector attacked: can Zoe Eliasson meeting a community plea also help hospitality's standing?

OPINION

Seeking positive feedback as a community stalwart

By Zoe Eliasson, licensee at the Boot at Sarratt, Hertfordshire

With our pub, the Boot at Sarratt (established 1729), being situated in the middle of our picturesque village, we had no choice but to agree to a Christmas plea from the Church and local primary school.

What's in the news 1 December

Review of the Week

Better Government leadership needed

By Ed Bedington

The MA's Ed Bedington caught up with Fuller's CEO Simon Emeny to get his take on the week's events, from the Covid Inquiry to the death of a footballing icon.

M&B reports record market outperformance in 2023

M&B reports record market outperformance

By Shwetali Sapte, MCA

Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) has reported financial results for the year ended 30 September 2023 (FY23), with like-for-like (lfl) sales growth of 9.1% against FY22.

Windmill Taverns celebrates 30 years of trade

'I was lucky!'

By Ed Bedington

As the McElhinney family celebrate more than three decades in the UK pub trade, the MA speaks to founder Jack, and son Ryan, to find out the secrets to their success.

Very positive: Loungers chief executive Nick Collins talks market strategy for next year with MCA (Pictured: Loungers Brigthside venue in Devon)

Loungers: ‘we’re very positive about 2024’

By Shwetali Sapte, MCA

Loungers plans to leverage the versatility of its offer, with a pipeline in place across multiple types of locations, chief executive Nick Collins told The Morning Advertiser's sister publication, MCA.

Great relationship: Shepherd Neame acquires Ship Inn pub in Herne Bay (Pictured: licensees Alan and Michele Clarke)

Shepherd Neame expands tenanted estate

By Rebecca Weller

Independent family brewer and pub company Shepheard Neame has expanded its tenanted estate with the acquisition of a historic seafront pub in the South-East.

What's in the news November 17

REVIEW OF THE WEEK

Business rates support ‘is the big one’

By Ed Bedington

The Morning Advertiser editor Ed Bedington spoke to Oak Taverns managing director Simon Collinson to get his thoughts on the week's news and the upcoming Autumn Statement on Wednesday 22 November.

Farewell: Ian Payne MBE is stepping down at Stonegate

Stonegate CEO Ian Payne to retire

By Finn Scott-Delany

Stonegate chairman and founder Ian Payne MBE has decided to retire at the end of January 2024 and step down from his role with the group after 13 years.

Hydes opens dining pub the Harry Beswick Wirral, Merseyside

Hydes opens £3.6m premium dining pub

By Amelie Maurice-Jones

North west brewery and pub retailer Hydes has launched its first new establishment in five years, following the opening of its latest premium pub dining venue on the Wirral, Merseyside.

Fantastic achievement: Star operator celebrates four decades behind the bar (Pictured: Carol and Lee Scanlan)

Star licensee marks 40th anniversary

By Rebecca Weller

Operators at a village pub in Lincolnshire have been recognised for their service to the community on their 40th anniversary at the helm.

Government needs to recognise pub community role

Pubs community role needs recognising

By Ed Bedington

The Government needs to recognise and support the important role pubs play in the community, according to the chief executive of a leading family brewer.

Charity champs: Chris Jowsey (right) with Jake Mills of Chase The Stigma

Admiral Taverns posts improved turnover and EBITDA

By Gary Lloyd

Despite economic headwinds creating a “challenging backdrop” for its licensees, Admiral Taverns has posted improved turnover and EBITDA figures in its 2023 financial year (FY23) results.

Positive figures: JDW chair Tim Martin says the company is increasing spend at its pubs

Like-for-like sales up 9.5% at JDW

By Gary Lloyd

JD Wetherspoon (JDW) has reported like-for-like (lfl) sales in the first 14 weeks of its financial year (FY24) were 9.5% higher than the same period last year.

Site success: the Journeyman in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire is reporting weekly sales figures of more than £60,000 (image: Oakman Group)

Oakman updates on challenges and improvements

By Nikkie Thatcher

CEO of multiple operator Oakman Group Peter Borg-Neal has updated the company’s response to industry challenges and trading improvements in a recent shareholder letter.

Portfolio growth: North is set to reopen Alley Cats next month

EXCLUSIVE

North reopening ‘cherished’ bar

By Nikkie Thatcher

Multiple operator North has revealed it is reopening a ‘cherished’ site in Chapel Allerton next week following its closure last month (October).

Oisin Rogers gears up for Devonshire opening

'The best pubs are chaotic!'

By Ed Bedington

Pub legend Oisín Rogers is all set to open his new pub project with Charlie Carroll, the Devonshire at Piccadilly, London

Diverse portfolio: Red Oak expands pub estate with more than 20 acquisitions in 2023

Red Oak Taverns acquisition history

By Rebecca Weller

Multi-site operator Red Oak Taverns has procured some 25 pubs across the country so far this year, bringing its total number of venues to more than 200.

Revenue up: total revenue at Punch Pubs & Co has risen to £313.5m

Transferred Punch pubs key to revenue boost

By Gary Lloyd

Punch Pubs & Co’s move to convert leased and tenanted pubs to its managed division has been cited as the “predominant driving force” for a 10.2% lift in revenue in its trading update for the 52 weeks ended 13 August 2023.

Biggest single investment: Star reopens the Unicorn in Cardiff after £1.4m refurb

Star injects more than £1.5m into Welsh pubs

By Rebecca Weller

Star Pubs & Bars has revealed a new look for its flagship site in Cardiff, Wales, following a £1.4m renovation project, its biggest single investment this year, and plans to plough a further £730k into Welsh venues.

(image: Getty/Adam Gault)

Red Oak Taverns to acquire 17 St Austell pubs

By Nikkie Thatcher

Multiple operator Red Oak Taverns is set to complete the purchase of 17 sites from St Austell Brewery’s leased and tenanted division, helping to further extend the former’s presence in the south west.