Shepherd Neame acquires three Essex pubs

Independent brewer and pub operator, Shepherd Neame, has continued the expansion of its estate with the acquisition of three Essex pubs on a freehold basis.

The acquisitions include The Bellhouse in Leigh-on-Sea, The Exchange in Southend-on-Sea and The Hamlet Court in Westcliff-on-Sea. All three properties were previously part of the East Anglia Pub Company portfolio, and the sale officially completed yesterday (28 July).

The properties have taken Shepherd Neame’s portfolio of pubs and hotels to 303 across Kent, London and the South East, following the company’s acquisition of Urban Reef in Bournemouth earlier this month.

The Bellhouse is a large pub and restaurant with a large patio area and garden for alfresco drinking and dining, and the colder months provide open fires in the bar and restaurant areas.

 The Exchange is located in Southchurch Village, Southend-on-Sea, and previously operated as a bank before being developed into a pub in 2002. Having recently undergone refurbishment, the pub uses the original bank vault as its beer cellar.

Meanwhile, The Hamlet Court is located in the centre of Westcliff-on-Sea, and also recently underwent refurbishment. The pub is “renowned” as a live music venue, and is a short walk from the historic Palace Theatre.

Jonathon Swaine, Shepherd Neame’s managing director of Pubs, said: “Following the strong company performance revealed in our latest trading update at the end of June, we have been actively looking for opportunities to grow and develop our high quality estate and are delighted to expand our presence in Essex with these unique properties.

“We are incredibly excited about the purchase of these unique, characterful venues. We look forward to working with the teams at each of the sites to build on their successful reputation and ensure that they continue to go from strength to strength.”