Greene King has offered undertakings to the CMA to address competition concerns in relation to its anticipated acquisition of Spirit Pub Company. Earlier in May, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced that it would refer the acquisition for an in-depth investigation unless the companies offered acceptable undertakings to address concerns about a loss of … [Read more...]
New Life for Percy Arms, Northumberland
The landmark 27-bedroom Percy Arms Hotel at Otterburn, Northumberland is to get a new lease of life, after been bought by a leading North East leisure operator. It has been taken over by Duncan Fisher and his award-winning Northumberland leisure company, Newton Hall Northumberland Ltd. The company, which owns leading wedding venue Newton Hall and the Joiners’ Arms at … [Read more...]
Multi-million pound Whisky Distillery planned for Isle of Raasay
A tiny Hebridean island off the coast of Skye is set to become the location of Scotland's newest distillery: the multi-million pound Raasay Distillery and visitor experience centre will be independently owned & operated by R&B Distillers and hopes to open in January 2017, if planning permission is granted later this year. The development would become the island's … [Read more...]
Mister Chubb’s guests in House of Commons
West Berkshire Brewery (WBB) is celebrating after Strangers' Bar, inside the House of Commons, chose their Mister Chubb's to be the week's guest ale. Started in 1995, WBB are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year and their award winning lunchtime bitter, Mr Chubb's, is one of their most popular beers - a 3.7% bitter, it is a beautifully balanced session ale with a … [Read more...]
Food is the gateway to commercial success for pubs
Foodservice industry figures from the NPD Group show that pubs are increasingly more a place for eating and less a venue for ‘a quick pint’. Half of the British population now visits a pub at least once per month. This is a higher visitor measure than quick service burger restaurants (45%) or coffee shops (44%). Pubs have been particularly successful at boosting breakfast … [Read more...]