Stonegate launches 600th Craft Union pub

The UK’s biggest pub company has opened the 600th pub under its Craft Union offer.

The Chequers Inn in Witney, Oxfordshire, has been renamed the Fleece & Flagon following a £200,000 investment by owners Stonegate Group.

In recent years, the pub has traded as a French bistro. However, Stonegate says that a significant number of newer food offers in the vicinity, combined with other pubs not trading in the day on weekdays, has opened up a new opportunity for Craft Union to deliver an all-day, every-day community proposition, taking the pub back to its roots. 

"Craft Union is more than a pub company," says Frazer Grimbleby, managing director of Craft Union (pictured centre left). "Our philosophy has always been centred around investing and putting quality pubs back into the heart of their local community. Above all, it’s about the passion for the pub, and recognising the importance the pub plays in the local community. We firmly believe the revival of the local pub is only just getting started."

What's changed?

The new space now includes a lounge area, a dedicated sports section with new darts throw and pool, and sports viewing all tailored to the community customers.  

Earlier this year, Stonegate CEO David McDowall told Pub & Bar that Craft Union is a key growth driver for Stonegate, with a simple business model offering the potential for excellent returns. 

"I congratulate Frazer and his team on reaching this milestone," adds McDowall (pictured left). "We will continue to back Craft Union all the way – we see significant room for more growth, backed by our data-led pub conversion strategy which allows us to put the right pub in the right place and maintain a programme of investment."

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