Star Pubs to boost managed operator estate with 30 new sites
To help recruit and build a pipeline of operators ready to run the new pubs, Star is also launching virtual ‘Discovery Days’
Star Pubs will be expanding its Just Add Talent (JAT) managed operator estate by 30 pubs throughout 2025.
The announcement comes as the first of these pubs, The Coach and Horses in Ashbourne, is due to reopen this week following a £200k refurbishment. A second venue, The Westgate in Halifax, will reopen in early March after a £350k revamp.
According to the group, its investments in The Coach and Horses and The Westgate are “typical” of Star’s approach to new JAT sites needing refurbishment. Like other JAT pubs, they specialise in sports and entertainment, and have benefited from high-spec AV systems showing Sky and TNT Sports.
To help recruit and build a pipeline of operators ready to run the new pubs, Star is also launching virtual ‘Discovery Days’ to enable potential applicants to easily find out more about what is involved in running a managed operator pub without having to travel. Discovery Days will also include first-hand accounts from existing JAT operators as well as Q&A sessions.
In addition, Star is offering a free three-day, pre-entry online training course to every successfully screened applicant. Worth £500, it will cover much of the essential knowledge required to run a pub, from business plans and stock and financial management to staff recruitment, health and safety, and social media.
Mick Howard, operations director at Star Pubs, said: “In these challenging times, the managed operator model is very attractive for people wanting to run a pub with a tried and tested offer and extensive support behind them. Having well invested pubs that maximise trade and profits is an important part of the JAT package.
“The innovative recruitment and training solutions we’ve developed ensure new recruits are confident they’re on the right path and have the skills they need to succeed from day one. An understanding of high standards and a focus on delivering them have helped drive up mystery visitor scores to over 90% at JAT pubs in the last 12 months. They are also supporting new operators in creating an exceptional experience for their customers once they’re in post.”
