JKS Pubs rebrands to Ardent Pub Group following buyout
The funding is expected to accelerate its expansion, with plans for as many as eight new sites in London and other locations over the next three to five years
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JKS Pubs has been acquired under the new name of Ardent Pub Group through a private investment round led by founder and managing director, Dominic Jacobs. The transaction was supported by an unnamed US-based private investor, which the group said reflects confidence in both the British pub market and its strategy.
The funding is expected to accelerate its expansion, with plans for as many as eight new sites in London and other locations over the next three to five years.
JKS Pubs was created in 2021 as a joint venture between Jacobs and JKS Restaurants. Its portfolio includes the Cadogan Arms in Chelsea, the George in Fitzrovia and the Hound in Chiswick, venues positioned to set what the partners described as a new standard for modern British public houses.
The Cadogan Arms reopened in 2021, followed by the George in 2022 and the Hound in 2024.
Ardent said the group has recorded year-on-year sales growth of 20% and a more than 40% increase in group-level EBITDA, citing resilience despite wider sector cost pressures and regulatory changes.
Ardent founder and managing director, Dominic Jacobs said: “This is a hugely proud moment for me and for the Ardent team. I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Jyo, Karam and Sue for their belief, guidance and friendship over the past few years – we simply wouldn’t be here without them. I’m delighted that we can take forward the pubs we built together under a new banner: Ardent Pub Group.”
Jyotin Sethi, Co-Founder and CEO of JKS Restaurants, added: “Partnering with Dom and the team over the past four years has been an incredible journey, and this transaction represents a great outcome for all JKS Pubs stakeholders.
“Together, we’ve shaped what we believe a true modern British pub can be, and we’re immensely proud of what we have created – three brilliant pubs that are beacons of warmth and hospitality, with a brilliant team behind them. As Ardent embarks on this exciting new chapter, we look forward to watching their continued success and growth, and we have every confidence that they will set new benchmarks for the industry.”
