Pub group sets sights on becoming destination venue with expansion plans
A SOUTH West pub group is planning to expand in 2020 after a strong trading period at the end of 2019.
The Country Pub Group owns The Battleaxes in Wraxall, near Bristol; The Mendip Inn, near Glastonbury; The Castle Inn in Bradford-on-Avon; and The Temple Inn in Temple Coud, near Bath. The group reported a 10 per cent like-for-like increase in accommodation sales and growth in revenue from food over the November and December period.
Managing director Matthew Lowe said: “I am delighted with the positive growth seen in our venues over the festive period, providing the drive we need to head into the New Year.
“The group has ambitious expansion plans and this boost so early on provides the momentum needed to take us forward.”
The group bought up three sites in 2019, including The Castle Inn which saw like-for-like sales of more than six per cent over the Christmas trading period.
Matthew says the group’s success is down to a “passion for providing high-quality, seasonal food” from local producers and “high-standard accommodation”.
He said: “We plan to become a destination venue in the Somerset area, that is my vision.
“It has been an extremely exciting time for The Country Pub Group; we have enjoyed transforming the venues and will continue work on this during 2020, and who knows what other interesting opportunities will arise this year.
“I am planning new venues to add to the portfolio, and it is important to me to grow the local economy and offer employment opportunities in the South West.”