Four small businesses snap up 10 Punch pubs

Punch Taverns has sold 10 pubs over the past month to smaller businesses capitalising on the opportunities afforded by the economic downturn.

Surrey-based Red Mist Leisure has acquired the freehold of three pubs it previously operated as lessees from Punch Taverns.

Proprietors Mark Robson and Mark Williams now own the freehold for the Queens Head in East Clandon near Guildford; the Stag on the River in Eashing near Godalming and the Duke of Cambridge in Tilford near Farnham.

Following the acquisitions, which were handled by agent Christie + Co, Robson said the duo planned substantial investment in their development.

“We are now planning substantial investment into each of them to significantly improve their quality, this will include creating letting accommodation,” said Robson.

Punch Taverns has sold eight other pubs this month, four to Brighton and Hove-based InnBrighton; two to Northern England group Bravo Inns and two to Joule’s Brewery.

Inn Brighton, which owns 42 licensed properties, bought the Open House, the Railway Hotel, the Hampton Arms and the Funky Buddha Lounge – all located centrally in Brighton.

Bravo Inns bought the Millstone Inn in Golborne near Warrington, Cheshire and the Tippings Arms in Wigan, bringing its estate up to 21 pubs.

Joule’s Brewery added the 16th century Castle Hotel in Shropshire and the Bricklayers Arms in Copthorne, Shrewsbury which brings its pubs total to 16.


Geronimo Inns buys six Punch pubs >>

St Austell Brewery buys four Punch Taverns pubs >>

Charles Wells acquires nine Punch Taverns pubs >>

By Emma White

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