Managed pub operator Authentic Pub Co is expanding with the acquisition of a pair of former Orchid Pub Company sites in Surrey, taking its total estate to six.
The two new pubs trade under the successful ‘Dragon’ format, combining a local pub with a Thai restaurant and takeaway. They are the Norbiton & Dragon at Norbiton and the White Lyon & Dragon at Worplesdon.
Along with the pubs themselves, the acquisition sees Authentic Pub Co become sole operator of the Dragon format, creating new opportunities for expansion.
Authentic has agreed lease terms with the administrators of the Orchid estate following the sale last year of the majority of Orchid sites to Mitchells & Butlers. Authentic will also be introducing the Thai menu at one of its existing sites, the Kings Arms in Epsom.
Authentic Pub Co director Simon Bailey said: “These two pubs are a great fit with our existing estate, both geographically and in trading terms. The Norbiton & Dragon is close to our current sites, so the Thai menu gives us a point of difference, while the White Lyon enables us to expand our trading footprint further west into Surrey.
“We feel very positive about taking over the Dragon concept, which is a proven success. Reflecting our name, it allows us to offer authentic Thai food as well as authentic British food, both as part of an Authentic Pub experience. That enables us to look at a wider range of pubs as we continue to expand.”
The Kings Arms
Bailey added: “We’re also delighted that we’ll be able to bring freshly-cooked Thai food to the Kings Arms at Epsom. The Dragon format has proved very popular in the Epsom and Ewell area at two previous sites, and gives us an outstanding opportunity.”
Thai chef Winai Thepmalai, previously at another Dragon pub, is moving to the Kings Arms as head chef. Bailey said: “I’m very pleased to say that as well as preserving the jobs of the Thai team at the two new pubs, several others are joining us as at Authentic Pub Co to work at the Kings Arms. We look forward to welcoming Dragon customers old and new at the pub.”
Authentic Pub Co is a family-owned business, founded by Simon Bailey and wife Sarah. Its existing sites are the Kings Arms in Epsom and the Waggon & Horses, Surbiton, both leased from Ram Pub Company; the Bell Inn, Hampton, leased from Punch Taverns; and The Flower Pot, Lower Sunbury, leased from Brakspear.
“As we continue to expand the business, we’re retaining our core principle that every one of our pubs is unique, and needs its own approach. What they have in common is our 100% commitment to great customer service, freshly-cooked food, high quality drinks and a warm welcome, and that will continue at our two new pubs as well as at the revamped Kings Arms in Epsom.”
Pictured top: Authentic Pub Co directors Simon and Sarah Bailey outside the Norbiton & Dragon.