Barkby Group looks to dispose of pub estate

Barkby Group is reportedly looking to dispose of all of its non-core businesses, which includes the Barkby Pub Company, as it looks to focus on roadside property development and investment. 

The news that Barkby Pub Co. Ltd will not form part of the group moving forward comes as revenue is down 3% year-on-year compared to the first quarter of 2021 as household spending takes a hit. 

The group recently acquired the Eliot Arms pub at South Cerney, which is said to take the group’s pub estate to nine locations and 75 bedrooms. The group will reportedly continue to grow its pub portfolio, while the board reviews Barkby Pub’s future strategy.  

However, the group maintains that its Christmas bookings look “strong” as they remain optimistic for a strong festive trading period. 

According to Barkby, it has also fixed a majority of its energy contracts until December 2023, reporting that the business is “well protected from the wider energy cost pressures” facing the industry. 

Charles Dickson, executive chairman of Barkby Group, said: “We have made good progress in streamlining the group. We have completed the sale of our stake in Verso Biosense and made further progress exiting the remaining non-core businesses. 

“We remain focussed on scaling the real estate business, with a particular focus on high quality modern sustainable roadside developments in the form of drive-thrus, trade counter, last mile logistics, convenience food, EV charging hubs and light industrial commercial buildings.”