Charles Wells’ return to managed houses will provide an important resource for the Bedford-based brewer’s 200 tenants, managing director Peter Wells has told M&C Report.
The company opened the first of its new Seadog Inns pubs at the Salisbury Arms in Cambridge at the end of March. Wells described it as a “pilot site”.
“We are testing the water to determine if we will progress this concept further. What is safe to say is that it feels great to make our return to running managed houses.
“Our focus is still on giving the best support for our leased and tenanted estate and we have already found that the experience of running our own pub has provided powerful insight into how we can provide greater assistance, particularly in terms of better purchasing, staff management, food development and cash management.”
While remaining a traditional local pub, the Salisbury has been stripped back to make way for a light, airy and modern design. It serves food all day, every day, from breakfast and has eight cask beers on the pumps, plus DNA, Wells’ collaboration with US craft brewer Dogfish Head, on keg and a 19-strong wine list.
