Marston’s set to take over N.Wales Brains pubs

MARSTON’S will take over the running of Brains pubs in North Wales – securing jobs at the sites.

The pub operator will take over all 156 of Brains pubs in Wales which will continue to run under the Brains brand and will still sell the brewer’s beer.

In North Wales it includes the Bull Hotel in Llangefni, The Dovey Inn in Aberdyfi, and the White Lion Royal in Bala.

Brains’ chairman said that the company had not taken the decision lightly but recent trading restrictions in Wales due to the pandemic have put huge pressure on the business.

The 138-year-old business closed down all its pubs a few weeks ago after new rules that meant they would have to close at 6pm, and are not allowed to sell alcohol.

“This agreement marks the formation of a lasting strategic relationship with Marston’s which secures the future of Brains’ pubs and 1,300 of our employees within them,” said chairman John Rhys.

“We know and trust Marston’s to be excellent custodians of our pubs and, whilst this is not a decision we have taken lightly, we are confident that both our pubs – and our pubs teams – will thrive under their stewardship.”

The deal, which is expected to close in February, will add to Marston’s 1,368 pubs around the UK.

Ralph Findlay, Marston’s CEO, said: “These high quality pubs are a great fit with our existing estate and will benefit from Marston’s scale and operational expertise to further unlock their excellent long-term potential.

“We look forward to the pub teams joining us and to welcoming guests and the communities which they serve, back into these pubs as the country emerges from the pandemic over the weeks and months ahead.”

CAMRA National Chairman Nik Antona said: “While we still need to see the detail of this deal, at first glance it appears a positive move.

“We hope this means that Marston’s will continue to run the pubs as beloved locals, securing their future for the communities that use them and the people they employ.”