Pubs and Bars
The Pubs and Bars section on Catering Today covers the business developments, market trends, and operational challenges shaping the UK’s pub and bar sector. It reports on acquisitions, brand expansions, drinks innovation, and regulatory updates, alongside insights into staffing, sustainability, and consumer behaviour. With expert commentary and commercial analysis, Catering Today provides industry professionals with the intelligence needed to navigate a competitive and fast-evolving on-trade environment.
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Jun- 2025 -26 June
Two independent Highland pubs brought to market for £4.5m
Two pubs in the Highlands that are owned by the same family have been brought to market as a package available for a freehold asking price of £4.5m. The first is The Clachaig Inn, a historic stone-built inn in Glencoe, set against the backdrop of the Glencoe peaks. Owners Peter…
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25 June
Vagabond to open flagship St Paul’s bar as expansion resumes
Wine bar operator Vagabond has announced it will open two new London locations, including a flagship site in St Paul’s this August, as it resumes expansion under new ownership. The company has signed a 15-year lease in Paternoster Square for a site formerly used as the filming location for Channel…
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23 June
Star Pubs to spend £4.5m upgrading outdoor spaces and exteriors
Heineken UK-owned Star Pubs has announced plans to invest £4.5m in refurbishing the exteriors of 171 pubs across the UK this year, with a focus on improving outdoor trading areas and enhancing kerb appeal. Some 88 pubs will receive garden makeovers, a quarter of which will be themes around Heineken…
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20 June
Thwaites FY turnover rises 4.4% to £120.6m
Daniel Thwaites has reported that its turnover rose 4.4% to £120.6m in the year to 31 March 2025, with operating profit before property disposals also rising 4.4% to £11.8m. However, net debt at the brewer and pub operator stood at £71.4m, slightly up from £70.8m the previous year due to…
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18 June
Hydes appoints new GM and invests £550k in Sale pub
Hydes Brewery has appointed Niam Kenny as new general manager and committed £550,000 to refurbishing The Old Plough in Ashton on Mersey. Kenny steps into her new role following the major investment in the Sale venue, one of the oldest in Hydes’ estate. She brings 14 years of experience in…
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18 June
St Austell FY turnover hits £231m despite low visitor numbers
St Austell Brewery has reported a record turnover of £231m in the year to December 2024, with underlying EBITDA rising 8.7% to £22.4m. News of the results come as the Cornwall-based brewer and hospitality group is unveiling its first major rebrand in more than 70 years in celebration of its…
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17 June
Pub and bar sector shows optimism amid economic headwinds
New data from Design My Night has found that 74% of pub and bar operators have expressed optimism about the longevity of their business. Notably, 36% of operators believe their business is thriving and are highly confident that they will still be trading in 12 months. The data also found…
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16 June
Timothy Taylor FY turnover rises 6% to £35m
Brewery and pub operator, Timothy Taylor, has seen its turnover rise 6% to £35m in the year to 30 September 2024, as brand sales improved on the previous year and gross profits increased by 9.5% to £19.4m. Production and procurement efficiencies, alongside lower energy costs, offset some of the additional…
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13 June
Wadworth FY profits surge 229% to £3.5m
Independent pub and brewery company Wadworth reported profits of £3.5m for the year ended 4 January 2025, up from £815k the previous year – spelling a jump of 229%. The Wiltshire-based company said the increase was driven by strong Christmas trading, a 6% rise in sales across the business, and…
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13 June
New owners take over the Kings Arms in Polebrook
The Kings Arms in Polebrook has been sold to first-time operators Marc and Julie Chatfield. It was marketed at offers in excess of £520,000 and sold for an undisclosed sum. Specialist property adviser Christie and Co handled the sale on behalf of former owner Progrowth Ltd. The Grade II listed…
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