14/10/2025 09:32:00
Pubs and bars in England and Wales could see extended opening hours as the government launches a fast-track review on "outdated" licensing rules, reports the BBC. The plans could make it easier for venues to serve food outside and host more live music, in a bid to "remove unnecessary barriers". Pub landlords and local communities will be able to have their say in a four-week call for evidence. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the review was about "cutting red tape" and "boosting footfall" to support the UK's economic growth. But critics have warned relaxing rules around alcohol would lead to more antisocial behaviour. Sir Keir said "pubs and bars are the beating heart of our communities", and added that the government was "backing them to thrive". "When our locals do well, our economy does too," he said.
The long-standing private equity backers of The Alchemist, the well-known town centre cocktail bar chain, are calling time on their ownership of the business. Sky News learnt that Palatine, which has owned The Alchemist since 2015, is working with advisers on an auction of the company. The Alchemist, which has withstood a tough economic environment exacerbated by tax hikes earlier this year, trades from 23 sites in the UK and one in Germany. It employs close to 1,000 staff. City sources said the sale process was being conducted by Pura Advisory. The chain trades in locations including Birmingham, London, Manchester and Newcastle.
Community pub operator Valiant Pub Group has reported a strong year of operational and financial performance, which it says has been driven by continued expansion and strategic investment. For the financial year ended 30 March 2025, the group grew its estate to 80 pubs across the UK, increasing total revenue by 63% to £29.6m (FY24: £18.2m). The business, led by Mark McGinty and Gerry Carroll, carried out 24 new pub acquisitions in FY25, with expansion in the north, Midlands and Wales and a growing foothold in the south. Its investments have had a greater focus on food and rooms, contributing to higher average weekly sales. Pub EBITDA increased to £5.5m (FY24: £2.8m), while adjusted group EBITDA (post group overhead) turned positive at £800,000. In August 2025, Valiant secured a new £12m facility from Metro Bank, with an additional £14m facility drawn post year-end , writes Pub & Bar.
The company behind Albert's Schloss beer halls and Rudy's pizzerias has reportedly hired advisers to sound out buyers for all or part of its business, writes Restaurant Online. The fast-growing hospitality company that owns a number of Albert's Schloss beer halls and more than 30 Rudy's pizzerias across the UK, has hired advisers at Houlihan Lokey to test the market for potential buyers. A potential sale could be worth more than £100m. Manchester-based Mission Mars was founded by Roy Ellis and Neil Macleod in 2015 and has grown into one of the UK's hospitality success stories of the past decade.
Heartwood Inns has announced the opening of its 34th pub, The Old Crown in Great Bookham, which has officially opened its doors, advises Pub & Bar. The news comes just weeks after Heartwood unveiled its 33rd site in Stratford-upon-Avon. The Old Crown has undergone a multi-million-pound refurbishment to restore its heritage character while mixing it with the Heartwood brand. The renovation has created a space with seating for 260 guests indoors and a further 100 covers outside.
Arora Group is bidding to create the 'best countryside retreat in the UK' as the company's multi-million pound renovation of Luton Hoo gets underway. Surinder Arora, founder and chairman at the Arora Group said the dream has been growing 'bigger and bigger' since acquiring the 'magnificent estate' in 2021, and he was 'delighted to finally get a spade in the ground' and begin the works. "This is going to be the best in the country, that's the dream,". The site, previously owned by Elite Hotels, is now closed for the extensive refurbishment which is expected to cost between £160m and £170m. The project will aim to be completed 'within two years', and will see a number of developments rolled out. Once reopened, it will operate as part of the Fairmont brand, says Boutique Hotelier.
The Castle in Taunton is to celebrate 75 years of family ownership, writes The Caterer.