Midland pubs group Mitchells & Butlers has revealed new plans to reshape the company into a food-led business – months after a boardroom coup was completed.
In a strategic review statement the group said it would expand its food-led mid-market brands Harvester, Toby Carvery, Crown Carveries, Sizzling Pub Co, Premium Country Dining and Vintage Inns.
The moves come as a plan to refocus the firm around its food offer, which includes withdrawing from primarily drinks-led operations and converting into growth brands.
The plans, which follow a 55-day strategy review headed up by new M&B chairman John Lovering, also include developing smaller town centre variants of Harvester and Toby Carvery.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Carlsberg launches fruit spritzer Eve with Louise Redknapp
Carlsberg UK has launched Eve, a 100% natural fruit spritzer drink into the UK market, and has signed up Louise Redknapp as the brand ambassador.
Eve, which is 3.1% ABV and lightly sparkling, is being launched exclusively into the on-trade, following a three-month trial in Manchester last year, and success in other markets across Europe including Russia and Switzerland. The brewer adds that Eve, contains 135 calories per bottle, also satisfies female requirements for drinks that are “lighter, more natural” and lower in alcohol and calories”.
Paul Davies director of brands and insight at Carlsberg UK, said: "The drinks industry has largely ignored female consumers in the on-trade for a long time, which is criminal."
He said that women were visiting pubs and bars more frequently than ever, now accounting for over £10bn of on-trade revenue.
Eve, which is 3.1% ABV and lightly sparkling, is being launched exclusively into the on-trade, following a three-month trial in Manchester last year, and success in other markets across Europe including Russia and Switzerland. The brewer adds that Eve, contains 135 calories per bottle, also satisfies female requirements for drinks that are “lighter, more natural” and lower in alcohol and calories”.
Paul Davies director of brands and insight at Carlsberg UK, said: "The drinks industry has largely ignored female consumers in the on-trade for a long time, which is criminal."
He said that women were visiting pubs and bars more frequently than ever, now accounting for over £10bn of on-trade revenue.
Pubco Tells Investors it is Disposing of Around 70 Bottom-End Pubs a Month
Punch Taverns said it is on track to sell around 1,800 non-core pubs as part of a disposal programme designed to slim down its leased operation from 6,800 sites to 5,000., reports the Publican
The UK’s largest pubco, which has been selling off around 70 bottom-end pubs a month as well as packages of high-end sites to regional brewers over the past year, told a City conference hosted by stockbroker Numis Securities that it was halfway through its planned disposal programme.
The group also confirmed that its new code of practice was currently being assessed by the BII and would be published on or around April 22, when it announces its interim results.
Details of new lease agreements, likely to come into effect in the next financial year, will also be revealed around the time of its interims.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Pub Landlords Welcome Government Support
Pub Landlords have welcomed news that the Government has set aside £4 million to help keep them running.
Pubs minister John Healey has announced a number of measures aimed at helping rural pubs including slashing “beer ties” which lock pubs into purchasing beer from the big pub companies. Other measures announced by the minister include business support to help communities buy into struggling pubs to keep them running.
Councils will also be given new powers through the planning system to intervene before a pub is demolished, giving a pause in the system for the residents to have their say.
Mr Healey said: “This package of tough, practical measures aims to put some real support behind our community pubs, giving publicans more support to diversify and punters more choice.
“Today’s measures are a much needed shot in the arm for publicans in these tough times. They will make it easier to diversify lower costs and cut red tape when it comes to branching out. It is also a boost for local communities, giving them a greater stake in the future of their local pubs often so important in bringing people together.”
Pubs minister John Healey has announced a number of measures aimed at helping rural pubs including slashing “beer ties” which lock pubs into purchasing beer from the big pub companies. Other measures announced by the minister include business support to help communities buy into struggling pubs to keep them running.
Councils will also be given new powers through the planning system to intervene before a pub is demolished, giving a pause in the system for the residents to have their say.
Mr Healey said: “This package of tough, practical measures aims to put some real support behind our community pubs, giving publicans more support to diversify and punters more choice.
“Today’s measures are a much needed shot in the arm for publicans in these tough times. They will make it easier to diversify lower costs and cut red tape when it comes to branching out. It is also a boost for local communities, giving them a greater stake in the future of their local pubs often so important in bringing people together.”
Friday, March 19, 2010
Government Plans to Save the pub
The government unveiled its latest ideas to save Britain's rural pubs today, with promises of extra funding and an easing up of planning rules,reports Politics. Nearly 40 pubs are closing each week, resulting in job losses and millions of pounds lost to the economy, campaigners say. Many rural activists are also concerned the decline of the local pub will drive local communities further apart by taking away what is often the hub of local activity.
The government pledges include £3.3 million for business support to make pubs more successful and help communities buy into struggling pubs to keep them running today.
"Today's measures are a much needed shot in the arm for publicans in these tough times," said pubs minister John Healey.
"They will make it easier to diversify, lower costs and cut red tape when it comes to branching out. It is also a boost for local communities, giving them a greater stake in the future of their local pubs often so important in bringing people together."
A consultation is underway on proposals to cut the requirement for music licences in certain venues.
Councils will also be given new powers through the planning system to intervene before a pub is demolished, giving a pause in the system for the local community to have their say, government sources said.
Restrictions on sales which prevent premises continuing as pubs will be banned and planning laws reformed so pubs can branch out their business without planning permission into new commercial ventures, like restaurants or gift shops.
The government pledges include £3.3 million for business support to make pubs more successful and help communities buy into struggling pubs to keep them running today.
"Today's measures are a much needed shot in the arm for publicans in these tough times," said pubs minister John Healey.
"They will make it easier to diversify, lower costs and cut red tape when it comes to branching out. It is also a boost for local communities, giving them a greater stake in the future of their local pubs often so important in bringing people together."
A consultation is underway on proposals to cut the requirement for music licences in certain venues.
Councils will also be given new powers through the planning system to intervene before a pub is demolished, giving a pause in the system for the local community to have their say, government sources said.
Restrictions on sales which prevent premises continuing as pubs will be banned and planning laws reformed so pubs can branch out their business without planning permission into new commercial ventures, like restaurants or gift shops.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Record profits for JD Wetherspoons
JD Wetherspoon has reported record first half profits of £36.2m, a 41.4 per cent rise on last year, reports The Big Hospitality.
Profit was up 17.5 per cent on a pre-exceptional basis at the 746-strong managed pub chain which also successfully carried out a refinancing deal and reintroduced a dividend.
Turnover for the 26 weeks to 24 January was up 4.1 per cent to £488.1m including sales from 17 new pubs. Like-for-like sales increased marginally by 0.1 per cent with total sales.
Wetherspoon plans to open 50 pubs this year. It will issue a dividend of 12p a share for the financial year ending 25 July.
“Sales and profits in the six months under review were at record levels, notwithstanding the immense pressure on the pub business from government legislation, thanks, above all, to the great efforts of all of our staff,” said chairman Tim Martin.
“Trading in the six weeks to 7 March 2010 continues on a similar trend to last year, with like-for-like sales down 0.4 per cent and total sales increasing by 3.9 per cent.
"As a result of our sales, profits and free cash flow, together with our continued efforts to improve every area of the business, I remain confident of our future prospects.”
Profit was up 17.5 per cent on a pre-exceptional basis at the 746-strong managed pub chain which also successfully carried out a refinancing deal and reintroduced a dividend.
Turnover for the 26 weeks to 24 January was up 4.1 per cent to £488.1m including sales from 17 new pubs. Like-for-like sales increased marginally by 0.1 per cent with total sales.
Wetherspoon plans to open 50 pubs this year. It will issue a dividend of 12p a share for the financial year ending 25 July.
“Sales and profits in the six months under review were at record levels, notwithstanding the immense pressure on the pub business from government legislation, thanks, above all, to the great efforts of all of our staff,” said chairman Tim Martin.
“Trading in the six weeks to 7 March 2010 continues on a similar trend to last year, with like-for-like sales down 0.4 per cent and total sales increasing by 3.9 per cent.
"As a result of our sales, profits and free cash flow, together with our continued efforts to improve every area of the business, I remain confident of our future prospects.”
Monday, March 08, 2010
Pub Development Plan Halted After BBC Investigation
Plans by the UK's biggest pub company to convert a community pub into a housing development have been halted following a BBC investigation.
Programme makers uncovered a series of inaccuracies and misleading claims in Punch Taverns' planning application for the Cross Guns pub in Birmingham.
The application, which has attracted hundreds of objections, had been due to go before the local housing committee.
Punch said its application had been made in "good faith".
But once details of the investigation by BBC Inside Out West Midlands emerged, Birmingham City Council immediately halted the application whilst the claims could be investigated.
Programme makers uncovered a series of inaccuracies and misleading claims in Punch Taverns' planning application for the Cross Guns pub in Birmingham.
The application, which has attracted hundreds of objections, had been due to go before the local housing committee.
Punch said its application had been made in "good faith".
But once details of the investigation by BBC Inside Out West Midlands emerged, Birmingham City Council immediately halted the application whilst the claims could be investigated.
Pub For Sale Port Talbot, Welsh Freehold Pub
Welsh Pub For Sale
Oddfellows
Glynneath
Neath
Castell-nedd Port Talbot
SA11
Gross Site Area: 2207 sq/ft*
£ 95,000 + VAT Freehold
Oddfellows Pub For Sale
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Hotel For Sale, Pontypridd, Wales
Rhondda Freehold Hotel For Sale
Hollybush Hotel
Ty Mawr Road
Pontypridd
Rhondda, Cynon, Taff
CF37
Gross Site Area: 9794 sq/ft*
£ 115,000 + VAT Freehold
Holly Hotel For Sale
Public House with Land for Sale Wales
Pub For Sale Torfaen, Wales
Bush Inn
Upper Cwmbran
Cwmbran
Torfaen
NP44
Gross Site Area: 5142 sq/ft*
£ 115,000 + VAT Freehold
Bush Inn Pub For Sale Wales
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Leasehold Pub For Sale, Manchester M22
Greater Manchester Pub for Sale
Woodpecker
Selstead Road
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M22
Gross Site Area: 19978 sq/ft*
£ 100,000 + VAT
Leasehold Lease length: Leasehold expires 2063 @ £205 Pa
Woodpecker Pub For Sale, Manchester
Friday, March 05, 2010
Pub For Sale, Market Drayton, Shropshire
Shropshire Pub For Sale
Stormy Petrel
Tern Hill
Market Drayton
Shropshire
TF9
Gross Site Area: 1.837 acres*
£ 325,000 + VAT Freehold
Market Drayton Pub For Sale, Shropshire
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Who Will Save The Pub; Question Time For MPs
The Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Save the Pub Group will host a Question Time style "Who will Save the Pub" debate for all three main political parties the Morning Advertiser reports
Lib Dem MP Greg Mulholland, chair of the Parliamentary Save the Pub Group, will take on the David Dimbleby role.Labour has yet to confirm who will appear for them but Tobias Ellwood for the Conservatives and Don Foster for the Lib Dems will appear on the 16 March.
The event will be by invitation and will include an audience made up of members of the public from CAMRA branches as well as pub trade organisation representatives.
The panel will be asked questions submitted by CAMRA members and others about the key issues facing British pubs.
“We want the great British pub to be seriously on the agenda at the forthcoming general election and it is time for all three main parties to say what they plan to do to support and save this important British institution," said Mulholland.
“Talk, whether in the pub or in parliament is easy, but we need action, so CAMRA and the Save the Pub Group are joining forces to put the party spokespeople on the spot to tell us how they will change things to support and save the pub.”
CAMRA chief executive Mike Benner added: "There is a growing consensus on the importance of pubs as places to responsibly enjoy a drink and their contribution to community life.
"What is now needed are clear proposals on how the future of well-run community pubs can be be safeguarded."
Lib Dem MP Greg Mulholland, chair of the Parliamentary Save the Pub Group, will take on the David Dimbleby role.Labour has yet to confirm who will appear for them but Tobias Ellwood for the Conservatives and Don Foster for the Lib Dems will appear on the 16 March.
The event will be by invitation and will include an audience made up of members of the public from CAMRA branches as well as pub trade organisation representatives.
The panel will be asked questions submitted by CAMRA members and others about the key issues facing British pubs.
“We want the great British pub to be seriously on the agenda at the forthcoming general election and it is time for all three main parties to say what they plan to do to support and save this important British institution," said Mulholland.
“Talk, whether in the pub or in parliament is easy, but we need action, so CAMRA and the Save the Pub Group are joining forces to put the party spokespeople on the spot to tell us how they will change things to support and save the pub.”
CAMRA chief executive Mike Benner added: "There is a growing consensus on the importance of pubs as places to responsibly enjoy a drink and their contribution to community life.
"What is now needed are clear proposals on how the future of well-run community pubs can be be safeguarded."
Stoke On Trent Pub For Sale
Staffordshire Pub For Sale
Lord John Russell
Waterloo Street
Stoke-on-Trent
Staffordshire
ST1
Gross Site Area: 4202 sq/ft*
£ 215,000 + VAT Freehold
Lord John Russel Pub For Sale
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Pubs For Sale in the UK
UK pubs for sale. As a property investment or development opportunity, run down, disused or delicensed freehold pubs, bars and hotels are currently under market value and present excellent redevelopment, modernisation and refurbishment opportunities
Paramount Investments also specialise in the sale of commercial, licensed, industrial, leisure, office, retail, residential, healthcare, retirement and student freehold property for investment and redevelopment.
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Norfolk Public house/development land for sale with full vacant possession.
Norfolk freehold Pub For Sale
Jolly Farmers
Southery
Downham Market
Norfolk
PE38
Gross Site Area: 42112 sq/ft*
£ 230,000 + VAT Freehold Pub for Sale
Unconditional offers are invited for our clients unencumbered interest.
The property represents excellent value for continued licensed use / owner occupation.
There is also enormous potential for redevelopment (residential / commercial / mixed use) subject to gaining the appropriate Local Authority consents.
The existing use class of the property is A4 'Drinking Establishments'. Planning consent is not required to change the current use to A1 (shops), A2 (financial and professional services) or A3 (restaurants and cafes).
Rateable value (01.04.10) - £7,725
Please note that VAT is applicable in this matter.
Jolly Farmers Pub for Sale
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