08/04/2026 10:05:00
Punch Pubs has acquired eight pubs from RedCat Hospitality, reports The Caterer. The transaction included the Broad Leys in Aylesbury; the Bull in Barming, Maidstone; the Cross Keys in Nottingham; the Crown Inn in Old Dalby; the Hare in Roxwell; the Nags Head in Little Kingshill; the Prince Rupert in Newark, and the Wig & Mitre in Lincoln. It comes after the sale of RedCat's 21-strong leased and tenanted pubs division to Admiral Taverns in November 2025 in a bid to shift its focus to its 43-strong premium pubs-with-rooms portfolio. In February, Punch Pubs acquired 30 pubs from Hertfordshire-based, family-owned brewer and pub operator McMullen's in a bid to bolster its presence in the region. The pub group also revealed it will continue to explore acquisition opportunities.
Leonardo has announced it has acquired Hotel Saint in London's Aldgate for an undisclosed sum, its 11th property in the capital, reports Hotel Owner. The hotel was sold by an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management, concluding its management by Highgate Hospitality and positioning it for a rebrand as Leonardo Hotel London Aldgate. The building contains 272 bedrooms and suites that include free Wi-Fi, dedicated workspaces and contemporary amenities, with some rooms providing city views and additional relaxation space. Leonardo Hotels, which runs 60 centrally located properties with more than 11,000 rooms in the UK and Ireland including in Manchester, Edinburgh and Liverpool, said the acquisition forms part of the broader expansion strategy of parent company Fattal Hotels.
QSR brand Smacks Burgers & Hot Chicken has started a £3.2m equity fundraise with Allenby Capital to support the next phase of its UK expansion, reports Restaurant online. The group plans to use the proceeds to fund new company-owned and franchised openings in the UK. It has already signed five locations with new and existing franchisees and is targeting at least 25 additional UK sites over the next 18 months as part of a plan to reach 100 UK locations by 2029.
Family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame has launched a new sports bar concept called Sin Bin, advises Pub & Bar. Previously known as Pier Five Bar and Kitchen, the Maritime Marina venue in Chatham has been transformed into an immersive space dedicated to live sport, social gaming, and food and drink. The reimagined space features tags and murals by London graffiti artist James Titchner, multiple large screens for live sport, interactive darts and retro gaming consoles in booths. The project was led by Ed Cornwell, Shepherd Neame's head of hotel operations and retail innovation.
Classic British Hotels has announced the strategic addition of Whittlebury Park to its nationwide portfolio. This partnership brings the prestigious 700-acre Northamptonshire estate, famed for its 5-Bubble spa, 36-hole golf complex, and 3-AA Rosette dining, into the curated collection, significantly boosting its capacity in the luxury MICE and wellness sectors. Hospitality and Catering News reports that the integration of Whittlebury Park provides Classic British Hotels with a major regional asset for corporate and luxury leisure travel.
An Apprentice candidate is set to open a new pub in Stockwell after securing a site with Star Pubs, reports the Morning Advertiser. Priyesh Bathia, who is featuring in the current series of the BBC show, The Apprentice, is one of four partners behind the Elephant & Barrel, which will open at the former Royal Oak site in early June. The opening marks the third site for the concept, following launches in Fulham and Felixstowe, and comes as the group looks to build a scalable, nationwide pub business.