10/11/2026 09:24:00
Star Pubs has launched its 250th Just Add Talent (JAT) managed operator pub. The Pig on the Wall, Droylesden, is the pubco's 23rd JAT site in the north west and was reopened following a £212,000 investment, Pub & Bar reports. Funds were spent on a full internal redecoration, with new furniture and TVs, the installation of a new commercial kitchen, upgraded accommodation and an external makeover. The new operator running the pub on behalf of Star Pubs is publican Sylvia Morris, who has over 40 years' experience in the pub industry, including running pubs in Droylesden for 17 years.
Pub operator Brakspear has expanded its managed division, Honeycomb Houses, with the acquisition of The Stroud Hotel in Gloucestershire for an undisclosed amount. The deal brings the number of Honeycomb Houses sites to 13 and strengthens Brakspear's presence across the Cotswolds. The company also owns The Egypt Mill Hotel in Nailsworth and The Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester. The acquisition follows a strong year for the managed division, which reported a 23% increase in turnover in 2025, alongside like-for-like growth of 7%, Hotel Owner reports.
London mayor Sadiq Khan has been granted new powers to intervene in licensing decisions across the capital, in a move welcomed by hospitality leaders but criticised by local authorities, the Morning Advertiser reports. The powers, which came into effect (3 November), allow Khan to review and make final decisions on licensing applications deemed strategically important to London's economy and nightlife. These could include applications involving large venues, live music, extended opening hours, festivals and major events. Borough councils will retain responsibility for routine licensing decisions, while the mayor can intervene following an initial local authority ruling.
Pasture Restaurant Group is to enter the Manchester market with four venues at the St Michael's development, its largest project to date, Restaurant Online has reported. The independent restaurant group, which was launched by chef-owner Sam Elliot in Bristol in 2018, has partnered with Relentless Developments and Salboy to operate a flagship Pasture restaurant, a hotel lounge, a historic pub and an outdoor dining destination within the city centre scheme. The deal will see Pasture Manchester take a ground-floor site within St Michael's 43-storey tower, bringing the brand's open-fire cooking and steak-led offer to the city. Alongside the restaurant, the group will operate W Lounge at the forthcoming W Hotel Manchester, The Abercromby, a restored historic pub, and Terrace, an all-day outdoor dining concept serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
BrewDog co-founder James Watt has made offers on two potential sites for his new Second Best bar concept, one in London and another in Scotland, with the first openings targeted for the second quarter of 2027. Speaking to The Morning Advertiser (MA), Watt revealed the business was targeting locations in London, Manchester and Scotland as part of plans to establish an initial five-bar estate.
The East India Arms in the City of London has reopened, following a refurbishment by Shepherd Neame. Situated on Fenchurch Street in the heart of the City, the traditional London pub dates back to 1829. Its history as a drinking establishment stretches back even further, as the Magpie Ale House previously occupied the site from at least 1645. The refurbishment has focused on repairing and enhancing the historic building, while preserving its character. The project represents the latest stage in Shepherd Neame's ongoing programme of investment in its London estate, Pub & Bar reports.