Batemans, the family brewer based in Lincolnshire, has completed an extensive £150,000 refurbishment of Wainfleet pub The Woolpack. This pub is the first to re-open under Batemans’ new ‘manchise’ agreement, a cross between a managed and tenanted pub which sees the operator take a percentage of turnover.
The Woolpack has been given a complete new look, with £20,000 spent on a new kitchen and the remainder invested in dramatically improving the rest of the pub, including creating a new lounge and seating area, and freshening up the toilets and bar area. The finished result is an appealing and comfortable, quality community pub, with a focus on food and drink across all day parts.
Hybrid agreement
Batemans new ‘manchise’ pubs are run under a hybrid agreement; half managed, half tenanted, and rewards operators for being entrepreneurial and growing the business.
This agreement releases the operator from responsibility for the day to day expenses such as utilities, wet stock, insurance etc., leaving them free to focus on developing the food and accommodation aspect of the pub (where appropriate).
There is a franchise fee based on turnover, which means the operator receives a percentage of wet turnover, and Batemans receives a percentage of accommodation and food turnover.
Landlords recruited at open day
New landlords Iain and Johann Jubbs were specifically chosen by Batemans to run The Woolpack, after they visited a recruitment open day run by the brewer. Johann has considerable hospitality experience, having previously run a pub in Spain for seven years, and a tapas bar in Lincoln. Running a pub will be a new experience for Iain, who used to work for the Shaw Trust and is passionate about making The Woolpack a success. Iain and Johann have also employed 12 people from the local area to work in the pub.
Iain commented: “We’re incredibly excited about running The Woolpack – as soon as we heard about the ‘manchise’ agreement we knew it was for us; it’s a very appealing proposition that suits our circumstances perfectly. Both Johann and I have developed skills throughout our previous careers that we know will prove invaluable at The Woolpack, and we’re very pleased to be part of the Batemans family.”
Wider regeneration project for Batemans
This refurbishment of The Woolpack is part of a wider regeneration programme for the brewer. Stuart Bateman, Managing Director of Batemans, said: “We have carried out the biggest and most extensive refurbishment of any pub in Batemans history at The Woolpack, and it is now a truly magnificent quality local pub which the brewery and community can be proud of. This investment is part of our comprehensive development strategy which will ensure our pub estate is as strong as it can be and secure our place in the market for many years to come.”
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