Peach takes estate to 15 with acquisition of Hertfordshire pub

Peach has taken its pub estate to 15, with the acquisition of Brookmans in Hertfordshire.

The deal comes after Brookmans went into administration under its previous owners in June this year.

The pub is close to Hatfield, St Albans and Potters Bar. Peach said the site was ripe for restoration.

"Brookmans is a pub that caught our eye a few years ago now as it's in a spot we like in a county we felt we could do well in," said Hamish Stoddart (pictured), Peach co-founder. "We talked to Enterprise at the time but the pub went in another direction.

"Now, three years down the track, we've been working with Enterprise at the White Horse in Harpenden, a pub we acquired just six months ago. So when Brookmans came on to the market again, and then subsequently went into administration in July, we were well placed to run it for the administrators and ultimately ensure a smooth handover, which is what we've done.

"That's meant we've got to know the measure of the place and been able to talk to the locals about what they wanted from the pub, putting us in a great place now we're going to be here permanently. More importantly, it's meant the community hasn't lost its pub."

Peach is carrying out a major refurbishment to restore the building's classic 1930s features and feel.

Brookmans will reopen its doors in late October after the refit, with a 170-cover eatery and up to 70 dining covers outside and two private dining rooms with 30 covers each.

In administration Brookmans up for sale >>

Peach eyes 15th site as profit and turnover increase for 2010/11 >>

Peach buys ex-Novelli pub in Harpenden >>

By Neil Gerrard

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