Hook Norton, the Oxfordshire brewery and pub operator, is planning to let go of two more pubs as part of its disposal programme, which is enabling investment in its existing estate.
This investment includes a £350k refurbishment of the Castle at Edge Hill, which has undergone work to double the inside trading space, bring the dining area up to 60 covers in a conservatory that overlooks an escarpment.
“People want a nice environment, with nice service so we are investing and making improvements to our pubs,” James Clarke, managing director, told M&C Report.
The group will focus on pubs with kitchens, car parks and the “facilities needed for a pub these days”.
The Fox Hotel in Chipping Norton is also due to benefit from reinvestment which will add accommodation.
“There are two more to go but we have not entirely decided upon them,” Clarke said. “We are seeing some of the smaller pubs with the demographic performing well so disposals are not based on size.” following these disposals Hook Norton will operate 38 pubs.
