Stonegate tops £100m of investment in 2024
Stonegate Group has revealed it has invested over £100m throughout the last year.
With investment across pub and bar estates being a crucial strategy for operators large and small, the UK's biggest pub company has revealed it has invested over £100m throughout the last year.
From major refurbishments to new concept launches, Stonegate Group says the money has been used to enhance its estate of 4,500 pubs, bars and venues.
As part of its overall investment activity, the company spent more than £17m on its Pub Partners portfolio, while there have also been large refurbishments in its managed estate.
The year also saw the launch of some new Stonegate concepts, including Rita’s Beerhall and Ballroom in Leeds. The David McDowall-led business also introduced Heritage Pubs and Pubsmiths within its managed estate, aligning 80 premium food-led pubs with the needs of their surrounding community.
"It has been a milestone year for us," says McDowall. "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."
Some site examples
Investment highlights include the £840,00 development of a brand-new Slug & 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.
Stonegate also invested significantly in its Craft Union Pub Company. 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, receiving a six-figure refurbishment, including a new darts area, a revamped bar and upgraded outdoor facilities.
In July 2024, Stonegate announced the agreement of its debt refinancing requirements, addressing its multi-billion-pound debt pile.
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