Operators

Boss comments: M&B chief executive Phil Urban was delighted by the firm's trading performance

7.7% sales upswing for M&B

By Nikkie Thatcher

Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) has reported like-for-like sales growth of 7.7%, according to a trading update for the 15 weeks to 13 January 2024.

New site opening: Alex and Matt Crowther are opening the Lost Pug

Beer & Coffee Company to open the Lost Pug

By The Morning Advertiser

The Warwickshire-based bar and restaurant group behind venues including pubs the Royal Pug, the Fat Pug and the Black Pug in Warwick, and the Lazy Pug in Shipston is continuing to expand with plans for a new Pug venue.

What's in the news 12 January?

Review of the Week

'I don't think beer is enough'

By Ed Bedington

The MA's Ed Bedington caught up with Beer and Coffee gaffer Matt Crowther to get his take on the week's news from wages to drinks sales, and whether beer is expensive enough.

New opening: £1.1m has been invested in the new JDW pub at Haven Primrose Valley

JDW to operate at Haven holiday parks

By Amelie Maurice-Jones

JD Wetherspoon (JDW) has signed an exclusive agreement with UK holiday park operator, Haven, meaning it can operate at its parks.

Saying goodbye: Pergola Paddington will shut for good on 21 January 2024

Incipio Group looks back on Pergola Paddington

By Amelie Maurice-Jones

Incipio Group’s rooftop bar Pergola Paddington is set to close, but the operator has learnt and grown from the experience, according to its sales & marketing manager.

Toughest month: the pub remains a ‘wonderful place’ even for those abstaining

OPINION

Remember pubs during the ‘longest month of the year’

By Gav Young, licensee of the Plough & Barleycorn, Isle of Wight

So we are here, 2024 has begun. Much of the population will have powered through the festive indulgences in preparation for new year resolutions as we head into, arguably, the longest month of the year.

Fresh challenge: taking on a pub or moving to a different site could be just what the doctor ordered (credit: getty/andresr)

The surge in applications to run a pub

By Gary Lloyd

“New year, new me.” So often the cry of someone who managed to survive the previous 365 days despite facing hammer blows all the way with the intention of reversing such misfortunes in the time it will take for the Earth to revolve around the sun again.

What's in the news 5 January?

Review of the Week

'We need to go to war on VAT'

By Ed Bedington

The MA's Ed Bedington met up with Oakman Group's Peter Borg-Neal to get his take on the week's news, from a knighthood for Sir Tim through to closures and Christmas trade.

Strong festive trading: Amber Taverns targets 185 sites by the end of 2024 (Pictured: The Railway in Caerphilly, South Wales)

Amber Taverns reports strong festive trading

By Shwetali Sapte

Amber Taverns has reported strong trading over the festive period across its pub portfolio, with like-for-like sales up 20% in the period spanning 18 December to 1 January 2024.

Community hero: the Millhouse licensee Lisa Leyland says the support for Luke Littler brings the community together

Darts star Luke Littler is pride of Joseph Holt pub

By Gary Lloyd

Darts sensation Luke Littler was the centre of attention for fans of the sport across the world last night (3 January) but it was particularly special for his bartending older brother Leon.

Bargain: JDW drops food and drink prices in a January sale

JDW launches January sale

By Amelie Maurice-Jones

JD Wetherspoon (JDW) is rolling out a nationwide sale at more than 800 of its pubs to welcome in the new year, and £1.99 pints are on the cards.

Message for Government: JW Lees' MD William Lees-Jones says the Government must look at what it can do to help the sector

JW Lees reports record turnover of £88m

By Gary Lloyd

Manchester-based brewer JW Lees has reported record turnover for the year to 31 March 2023 with revenue at £88m (up £13m (16%) on the previous year).

Stage stars: the Marston's pub of the year awards winners

Star shines as Marston’s T&L pub of the year

By Gary Lloyd

Publican Ally Heath praised her team after the Star in Penkridge saw off all other competitors to be crowned pub of the year in Marston’s tenanted & leased annual awards.

Trading update: ACI has shown great resilience amid ongoing challenges, says managing director James Nye

Anglian Country Inns reports strong revenue growth

By Nikkie Thatcher

Multiple operator Anglian Country Inns (ACI) has revealed a 25.8% uptick in revenue, partly driven by price increases to offset inflationary costs with the majority coming from a rise in footfall.

Founder Knipe reacquires Blackrose Pubs

Knipe re-takes control at Blackrose

By Ed Bedington

Blackrose Pubs has been bought back following the purchase of the business brand by former managing director Daren Knipe.

Tres bien: Wells & Co's two new French sites will add to the Sherlock Holmes and the Starfish (pictured below)

Wells & Co adds first new French sites since 2019

By Gary Lloyd

Bedford-based brewer and pub operator Wells & Co has expanded its French pub estate by two sites – welcoming the House of Parliament and HMS Victory in Bordeaux to its portfolio.

What's in the news December 15?

Review of the Week

'We have a vital role'

By Ed Bedington

The Morning Advertiser's Ed Bedington caught up with Frederic Robinson's William Robinson to hear his thoughts on the week, from Christmas trade to changing of the political guard.

Follow us

Property of the week

KENT - HIGH QUALITY FAMILY FRIENDLY PUB

£ 60,000 - Leasehold

Busy location on coastal main road Extensively renovated detached public house Five trade areas (100)  Sizeable refurbished 4-5 bedroom accommodation Newly created beer garden (125) Established and popular business...

Pub Trade Guides

View more

Headlines