27/01/2026 08:57:00
Young's has announced its intention to move from AIM to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, reports Pub & Bar. The pub operator intends for Admission to occur in the second quarter of 2026. The announcement coincides with a trading update for the 14 weeks ended 5 January 2026. Young's says trading was very strong over the Christmas and New Year period, with like-for-like sales for the three-weeks to early January increasing by 11.2%. Total managed revenue for the 14 weeks ending 5 January was up 5.6% and, on a like-for-like basis, up 5.7%.
The 187-strong pub chain, which operates primarily across the north of England, the Midlands, Scotland and Wales, recorded like-for-like sales growth in 25 out of the last 26 weeks, reports The Caterer. The community pub operator said it planned to open a further 20 sites in 2026 off the back of strong trading, with an ongoing target of 20 new pub openings per year. Amber Taverns was acquired by private equity firm Epiris, which backs Big Table Group, in 2024 for an undisclosed sum. The pub group opened three new sites in Smethwick, Whitchurch and Nottingham City Centre last month, which the business said "reinforces the appeal of community pubs and reflects the strength of Amber's retail model, combining well-invested sites, competitive pricing, and highly engaged operators".
Shepherd Neame has reported strong growth across its estate with like-for-like sales up 4.5% for the 26 weeks to 27 December 2025, writes The Morning Advertiser. Trade over the festive period reported strong growth across its estate with like-for-like sales up 4.5% for the 26 weeks to 27 December 2025. Trade over the festive period had also proved resilient, with like-for-like sales up 8.1% for the give weeks to 3 January 2026, the interim report stated. The Kent-based pub operator and brewer said the performance had been driven by a strong performance inside the M25, adding sales in the capital saw a 12.6% uptick during the period.
Jack Greenall's Wren Pubs has acquired the freehold of two of its London pubs in a move that marks "a significant milestone in the group's long-term growth and investment strategy", reports The Restaurant. Previously operated on a leasehold basis, The Carpenters' Arms on the Hammersmith-Chiswick border and the Walmer Castle Notting Hill are well-established pubs with loyal local followings. Since taking on the leases, Wren has focused on operational improvements, sensitive refurbishments and strengthening the food and drinks offer, driving strong trade performance across both sites. Alongside its third venue, The Surprise in Chelsea, the group's three pubs now generate turnover in excess of £10 million with like-for-like revenue up 20% year on year in December.
Reeves is expected to reject permanent reforms to business rates as part of her temporary support package, according to reports. The Telegraph said that the government could introduce a more generous time-limited cap on rising rates bills, a carve-out for businesses of certain sizes, and a bigger permanent discount to the business rates multiplier, which is used to calculate taxes paid. However, it is understood there is little scope for a permanent tax relief, further details of which are expected to be revealed on Tuesday, according to the paper. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, Reeves indicated the support package will be limited to just pubs, despite intense lobbying from all sectors of hospitality, especially hotels.
Inception Group has signed for a new flagship location in Covent Garden's historic Market Building, confirms Pub & Bar. The new venue, announced by landlord Shaftesbury Capital, will be a flagship Mr Fogg's Tavern, joining a sister site down the road on St Martin's Lane. The new Mr Fogg's Tavern will occupy c.4,500 sq ft of space with 130 covers. The venue will feature the brand's Victorian-style interiors, alongside a 65-seater courtyard housed within the Covent Garden Market Building.
The greatest pub in the UK has been crowned. The Tamworth Tap in Staffordshire has been named CAMRA's National Pub of the Year 2025 for the third time, Time Out reports.