Whiting & Hammond (W&H), the south east-based multiple operator, is looking to open up to three sites this year.

The group will open its eighth site - the Kings Head in Bessels Green, Kent in March, but is already looking at further opportunities.

Founder Brian Whiting said: ““W&H will continue to grow. We would love to open two to three sites in 2014 with a good trailing wind.

The Kings Head is a c.£700k co-investment with Punch Taverns.

Last October, the company launched a customer loyalty card across its seven sites.

The card, which was developed with EPoS provider Zonal, enables customers to collect points that give them money off purchases.

It also launched a staff loyalty card offering all its 300+ employees a 20% discount.