A round-up of stories and snippets from brewing and hospitality, and the latest business news in brief
Independent Peak District hospitality group Longbow Venues is celebrating seven finalist places in the 2027 Visit East Midlands Tourism Awards – Derbyshire. Three of its historic pubs and hotels are recognised among the region’s finest. The Ashford Arms in Ashford-in-the-Water, The George at Hathersage, and The Peacock at Rowsley (pictured) have collectively secured nominations across five categories, recognising excellence in accommodation, dining, pub hospitality and teamwork.
• Punch Pubs has reported a pre-tax profit of £18.3m in the year to 9th August, up from a pre-tax loss of £24.1m the previous year. The latter, however, included a £43.8m movement in properties valuation. Revenue in the last year was up 11.8% to £377.8m (2025: £337.9m) while underlying EBITDA was up 8.1% to £106.4m (2025: £98.4m).
“Investment in training, data, and operational support is driving performance across the estate, while our pub partnerships models continue to gain momentum and support profitable expansion,” said chief executive Andy Spencer. “Our acquisition strategy is also gathering pace, with 74 pubs acquired during the year, further strengthening our position in the market.”
• Star Pubs has completed changes to its senior management following Mick Howard’s move to become on-trade sales director at Heineken UK earlier this year. Matt Dyson has been promoted to operations director north, and joins Star’s Leadership Team. Caren Geering has taken over responsibility for Star’s Just Add Talent managed operator estate, alongside her position as central operations director. And Cathy Olver, head of retail, who has overseen the company’s marketing and digital functions as well as food and drink and is a Star Pubs’ diversity, equality, and inclusion lead, has taken up the role of regional operations director, Scotland.
• Losses have narrowed at Beavertown. The brewer reported a pre-tax loss of £662,743 in the year to 31st December, 2025, compared with a loss of £2,728,853 the previous year. Off-trade performance saw a 35% increase versus the prior year, while on-trade volume was down 12%.
• The festive season will be extra special at The Warehouse Norfolk this year, with much-loved Christmas Party Nights return to Setchey, near King’s Lynn. The return of the Christmas Party Nights marks another important milestone for the venue, following a devastating fire in November 2023 which forced the restaurant to close.
• Red Oak Taverns has acquired The Wheatsheaf pub, in Thurcaston, Leicestershire, from Everards.
• Lager brand Carling has unveiled its biggest brand refresh in the past 30 years. It follows significant investment to strengthen the appeal of the beer with a new generation of drinkers, while celebrating its heritage. Rolling out this month, the brand-new look introduces a more striking design to increase standout on shelf.
• Howling Hops Brewery founder and pub owner Pete Holt has acquired another London venue, The China Hand, in Clerkenwell. The freehold pub was put on the market by retiring owners Mike Peck and Rowena Smith.
