More than 30 city pubs ‘at serious risk’
More than 30 much-loved pubs across Portsmouth are in “serious danger” of pulling their last pint, according to the GMB Union – which blasted the chain owner as a “disgrace”.
More than 750 Stonegate pubs across the south east – including 33 pubs in Portsmouth – could close after the company issued a profit warning, according to the GMB Union. The company owns popular brands such as Slug and Lettuce, Yates and Walkabout.
However, a spokesperson for Stonegate called the union’s information “distorted” and said pubs are “not at risk of closure”.
Nadine Houghton, GMB national officer, said: “TDR bosses are private equity gamblers – playing fast and loose with people’s jobs and lives.
“Now, hundreds of muchloved pubs across the south east are now in serious danger of pulling their last pint. It’s a disgrace.”
A spokesperson for Stonegate said: “We are really pleased with the performance of the business in 2023, which included a sector-leading Christmas trading period. We have delivered a rise in revenue and a significant increase in profitability. We have been very clear that we continue to work towards achieving our long-term balance sheet goals, with the successful refinancing of a portion of our estate in December marking a significant strategic step towards this. We would also like to assure our employees and partners that no venues are at risk as a result of this process.”
Pubs potentially impacted in Portsmouth include The Rose in June, Rutland Arms, Northcote Hotel, the Painters Arms, The Compass Rose, Lord Chichester, The Churchillian, Sunshine, Leopold Tavern, Trafalgar Arms, Eastfield Hotel,
Old Oyster House, Milton Arms, Old House at Home, Thatchers, The Fountain, Jolly Sailor, Lord John Russell, Lawrence Arms, Phoenix, Scarlet Tap,
Lord Fitzclarence, Duke of Devonshire, Royal Albert, The Dolphin, Pembroke, The Eldon Arms, Barleymow, Popworld Portsmouth, The Fleet, The Dockyard, The Liquorist, Slug and Lettuce Portsmouth.
Hundreds of muchloved pubs across the south east are in serious danger of pulling their last pint