A round-up of stories and snippets from brewing and hospitality, and the latest business news in brief


Siren Christmas Market

Siren Craft Brew is to host a Christmas market in its Tapyard on Saturday, 5th December. As well as beer, cider, and gin, there will be stalls and a petting zoo, as well as a Santa’s grotto. Tickets for the grotto need to be purchased here.

Amber Taverns is continuing an ambitious expansion programme with a £3 million investment in The Gander, a Newcastle city centre venue, marking a significant step in the community pub operator’s growth strategy. The investment, which includes the acquisition and extensive redevelopment of the former Magpie premises, will create some 25 to 30 full-time and part-time jobs.

Blind Tiger Inns has taken on the lease of The Rodney, in Warrington. The pub will re-open under its original name, The Lord Rodney, after a £150,000 refurbishment.

Pre-tax profit at McManus Pub Company grew to £868,808 in the year ending 25th January. The company runs a group of pubs and pub restaurants in Northampton, Leigh on Sea, and Pinner. These range from traditional pubs, country inns, and community hubs to high street spots, late-night venues, and sports bars.

The Red Lion, in Water End, near Hemel Hempstead, will re-open this month following a refurbishment. The pub has been acquired by Upham Inns, having been an Oakman site.

Valiant Pub Company has acquired The Ash pub and restaurant, a former Brewhouse & Kitchen, in Sutton Coldfield, and The Talbot Arms, in Settle, Yorkshire.

Cambscuisine has acquired The Plough pub, in Great Chesterton, from Greene King. The company operates eight venues across Cambridgeshire.

Punch Pubs has acquired The Flying Monk pub in Chippenham. The venue will become part of Punch’s Unity Social business.

London pub group Conexus has acquired The Greenacres II, a pub in Hemel Hempstead. Conexus has more than 30 pubs around London.