Roseacre Pub Company takes on eighth pub

Roseacre Pub Company, the Michael Thomas-led pub group, is expanding its Midlands-based estate to eight sites by taking over The Axe & Square in Countesthorpe.

Following a two-and-a-half-year closure, the Star Pubs & Bars-owned venue will receive a £650,000 joint investment prior to re-opening in early December.

The overhaul will transform the pub’s exterior, adding new signage and lighting and putting in a terrace with café-style seating at the front. An 80-seater garden will be developed at the rear.

An internal makeover will extend The Axe & Square via an outbuilding, doubling its size. The revamped pub will then have 110 covers spread over a bar area, a dining room and a snug complete with a new log burner.

“I’ve been in the industry for 40 years and seen good pubs prosper through all the ups and downs," says Thomas (pictured). "We’ll continue to expand in the Midlands if the right sites are available. We specialise in large middle-market suburban dining pubs and, in my experience, they’re resilient even when times are tough. If you serve good food and drink in a nice environment, people will always want to come out, socialise and forget their cares for a few hours."

Roseacre also operates The Dovecote at Narborough, The Beeches at Ashby-de-la-Zouch, The Beacon Hotel at Burton-on-Trent, The Heathcote at Leamington Spa, The Waterside Inn at Mountsorrel, The Lime Tree at Whetstone and The Bull at Broughon Astley.

“Roseacre Pub Company are highly professional operators, and we’re delighted to be working with them again," says Star Pubs & Bars investment manager Mike Smith. "They know their market inside out and deliver what their customers want at the right price. The consistency of their offer is superb, allowing them to compete with larger managed operators while providing the individual, independent feel that consumers increasingly seek.”

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