John Harrington
John has been writing about the industry for 10 years, initially as a reporter on the Morning Advertiser followed by a four-year stint as news editor. In 2011 he joined M&C Report as associate editor, broadening his knowledge base to include the restaurant sector. A history and politics graduate, John has a particular interest in political issues affecting the sector.
Contact info
- Tel:
- 01293 610481
- Email:
- john.harrington@wrbm.com
OpinionComing full circle
After more than 11 years writing about the pub industry, M&C Report’s departing deputy editor John Harrington presents his valedictory on a sector that has been through the mill and come out stronger the other side
OpinionDeal of the decade?
What lies behind Greene King’s approach for Spirit Pub Company, what complications does it bring and what does it tell us about the current state of the pub market? John Harrington speaks to the experts
OpinionBrewer troops colour of change
Frederic Robinsons famously tied up a deal with rock band Iron Maiden last year, and that energy to do something a little out of the ordinary is still prevalent in its bid to make major changes to its tenanted estate. John Harrington finds out more
OpinionThe original punk brewer
From founding Firkin pubs to selling Capital Pub Company for £93m and helping Americans fall in love with craft beer, David Bruce has been there and done it. But with several exciting new ventures bubbling away, Bruce’s enthusiasm is as strong as ever – while the craft revival has given him a spring in his step
OpinionHoning his craft
Craft Beer Co has grown to be a leading player in the craft beer bar scene in recent years. Managing director Martin Hayes discusses the past, present and future of the company, and offers his take on craft beer in general
OpinionThe dial is turning
With uncertainty about the Government’s plans for the tenanted pub sector (almost) behind us, and with an improving performance across tenanted estates accompanied by a return of M&A activity - and continuing innovation - is the dial turning for this often misunderstood part of the industry?
OpinionThe IPO trailblazer
Six months ago, Eclectic Bar Group became the first pub, bar or restaurant operator to float on the stock market since Capital Pub Company in 2007. John Harrington gets the inside track from chief executive Reuben Harley and chief financial officer John Smith
- Opinion
Keeping track of the flyers
This year’s Zolfo Cooper Profit Tracker highlights the fact that those high-quality operators that made the right calls during the downturn are perfectly placed to reap the benefits in any upturn in the general economy, writes Mark Wingett
OpinionUnited we stand?
Now the dust has settled on the Budget, it’s worth taking stock of where the pub and drinks industry has got to as a lobbying force, and what it can expect as the General Election draws near
OpinionStonegate's brave new world
In his last interview before resigning as chief executive of Stonegate Pub Company, a spirited Toby Smith discusses Missoula, Common Room, Popworld and the firm’s approach to investments and acquisitions. He speaks about how the pub giant has integrated Living Room and the former Bramwell portfolio, and addresses rumours of an imminent IPO
OpinionOff the leash
BrewDog has grown to be the leading light of the UK’s blossoming craft beer scene, and with new funding and a new brewery in place, the company is setting its sights even higher. John Harrington spoke to co-founder James Watt about what the future holds for the self-styled “punk” brewer, and for UK craft beer as a whole
OpinionWrong legislation, wrong time
With the Government now set to announce its response to the consultation into the proposed statutory code for tenanted pub companies in 2014, John Harrington examines the concerns of pub companies and asks what the industry can expect
OpinionSpirit of evolution
Chris Welham was faced with a “blank sheet of paper” when he took charge of Spirit Pub Company’s leased estate 18 months ago. With the decline in net income across the division now halted, Welham is busy evolving the estate, with new agreements and support packages aimed at leveraging the benefits of the group’s managed arm. John Harrington caught up with him
OpinionBeds & Bars enters new phase
2014 promises to be a big year for Beds & Bars under new MD Murray Roberts. He shares his vision for the company with M&C Report and discusses plans to expand and evolve
OpinionPressure rises on health debate
The Government continues to put its trust in the Responsibility Deal amid rising pressure from health campaigners and the Labour Party to take legislative action. What future for the partnership approach, asks John Harrington
OpinionThe campaign game
Jacques Borel’s VAT campaign is just one example of a recent trend of single-issue lobbying in the sector. John Harrington examines the trend and what it means for established trade associations
OpinionEvolution of Revolution
Mark McQuater, who was this year appointed chief executive of Inventive Leisure, explains his nine-point plan for evolving the Revolution bar chain
OpinionEnd of complacency
Parts of the British restaurant scene traditionally dominated by independents are facing fresh competition from dynamic new entrants. It’s a reminder that complacency is not an option, a lesson that’s equally important for the pub trade
OpinionThe life of pea
Mike Biggins, a veteran of international restaurant franchising, wants British consumers to fall in love with a meat-free Middle Eastern delicacy as he heads the expansion of Just Falafel across the country. Early signs are positive, Biggins says, as he looks to adapt the format for the UK market
OpinionThe new new wave
The craft boom has made branded beer bar concepts cool again, and now a second wave is emerging following the success of BrewDog and others