Brewhouse & Kitchen chief executive Kris Gumbrell said the brand is well on track to open 20 sites in 2017 after securing its 17th in Nottingham.
Grumbrell told MCA the new site next to Trent Bridge, which has a bar, restaurant, banqueting suite, riverside terrace and wedding licence, was a perfect fit for the fast-growing group.
The site is at the former Riverbank Bar & Kitchen, and near a £22m redevelopment of Bridgford House on the opposite side of Trent Bridge set to bring 96 apartments and new bars and restaurants to the area.
Gumbrell said though the group preferred freeholds, they were being offered a number of sites at new leisure developments.
He said: “We have found in particular when we’ve done developments in retail leisure we’ve really been able to enhance them. We’re getting a lot of interest, which is great news for our business, and certainly something we’ll continue to look at.
“Though in our heart of hearts we prefer good freeholds, I think it’s good to have a combination of the two. We always want to have that balance. It’s a very flexible and durable brand. Were in neighbourhoods, city centres, and the more successful you get the more you attract these things.”
The off-market deal was agreed for an undisclosed sum via Christie & Co.
Gavin Webb, of Christie & Co’s Nottingham office said: “The Riverbank Bar & Kitchen established itself as a landmark venue in Nottingham following its opening in April 2010. While sad to see it go, I’m sure Nottingham residents will welcome Brewhouse & Kitchen into the city with their exciting new plans for the premises. We wish both them and our clients all the success in the future.
