Discovery Group expands with first Star Pubs lease
The County Hotel in North Berwick will reopen under the new name The Law, and is expected to create 25 jobs when it launches in early September
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Discovery Group is set to grow its hospitality estate to 16 venues across northern England and Scotland, having announced it is taking on its first long-term lease with pub operator Star Pubs.
The two companies are investing £850k in a joint refurbishment of The County Hotel in North Berwick, which has remained closed since summer 2019.
The venue will reopen under the new name The Law, and is expected to create 25 jobs when it launches in early September.
The redevelopment will fully renovate the exterior of the Category C-listed building and add a 100-seat garden. Inside, the venue will feature two separate bars, a restaurant, function space and 11 ensuite letting rooms. One of the bars will be located in a former stable, which will include a pizza oven and retain original features such as beams and stone walls.
The redesign is intended to attract both locals and visitors, with a focus on family and dog-friendly facilities. The food offer will span from breakfast to dinner and include pub classics and à la carte options. Drinks will range from coffee and real ales to cocktails and premium wines and spirits.
Steven Winton, group director of Discovery Group, said: “All our sites to date are leased and we expect that to continue. We like the partnership aspect, and the support leasing brings from financial investment through to resources such as marketing and training.
“We’ve been very impressed with the professionalism and knowledge of the Star Pubs team; it’s given us the confidence to make a substantial investment with them in The County Hotel.”
Matt Dyson, operations director for Scotland at Star Pubs, added: “We’re delighted to be working with the Discovery Group to bring The County Hotel back to life. They’ve got a reputation for outstanding food, drink and service and, with a successful pub in the town already, they understand what residents and North Berwick’s many visitors want.”
Discovery Group currently operates eight venues in eastern Scotland and is looking to expand further in the Central Belt, with a focus on leased hotels and bars suitable for investment and premium repositioning.
