Berkeley Inns, the fledgling Derbyshire-based pub restaurant operator, is set for further growth with two new sites and a pair of new backers, MCA understands.
The company, which was formed in 2014 by entrepreneur Howard Thacker, co-founder of uDate.com, and opened its first site last year The Three Horseshoes in Ashbourne with Michelin-trained chef Gareth Ward as head chef, will open the Cock Inn in Mugginton next month, following “substantial renovations, extension and redesign”.
At the same time, it has welcomed on to its board veteran property expert, David Newnes, formerly of LSL Property Services, where he oversaw the acquisition of YourMove; and Rick Palmer, formerly of the Mortgage Advice Bureau and chief executive of BriefYorMarket.com.
Newnes also helped steer the LSL through its float on the stock exchange in 2006, which valued the business at £208m.
Over the next few years, the company is planning to acquire and operate several “prime licenced properties” in the Midlands.
MCA understands that the company has lined up the Blue Bell Inn in Kirk Langley, Derbyshire for a further opening next year.
