Stonegate Group invests £100m across estate in 2024
As part of its overall investment activity, the company invested more than £17m in its Pub Partners estate
Stonegate Group has invested more than £100m in 2024 to “enhance” its estate, including major refurbishments as well as new concept launches.As part of its overall investment activity, the company invested more than £17m in its Pub Partners estate to support publicans in creating “thriving local pubs” in 2024.
Significant refurbishments in the managed estate were also made, with highlights including the £840,00 development of a brand-new Slug and Lettuce Glasgow, which opened in October.
In Chester, Be At One opened its 41st location following a near £600,000 revamp of the former Havana bar. Meanwhile, Off the Wall in Chester underwent a £700,000 refurbishment, enhancing its Social Pub and Kitchen offering.
The year also saw the launch of several new concepts, including Rita’s Beerhall and Ballroom in Leeds. The move transformed a former Walkabout site with a £1m investment, with a new venue that features live music seven days a week, leopard print pool tables, supersized 24-inch pizzas and margarita slushies.
Additionally, Stonegate introduced Heritage Pubs and Pubsmiths within its managed estate, aligning 80 premium food-led pubs with the needs of their surrounding community.
Stonegate also invested “significantly” in its Craft Union Pub Company, an operator-led model for local pubs. This year marked a milestone with the opening of the 600th Craft Union pub, The Fleece & Flagon in Witney, Oxfordshire, following a £220,000 transformation of the former Chequers Inn.
The final Craft Union investment was at the Anchor in Battersea, which underwent a six-figure refurbishment, including a new darts area, a revamped bar and upgraded outdoor facilities.
David McDowall, CEO of Stonegate Group, said: “2024 has been a milestone year for us. We’ve invested heavily across our estate, from supporting our Pub Partners to ensuring every site is set up for long-term success.
“I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved this year, and it’s been awesome to see the positive impact of our teams’ hard work on these investments. I’m looking forward to building on this momentum in 2025 as we continue to invest in the future of the Great British Pub.”
