Luke Johnson, the serial restaurant investor, is understood to be in discussions to acquire a substantial equity stake in Draft House, the London-based pub concept founded by Charlie McVeigh, M&C Report has learnt.
The first Draft House was launched in Northcote Road, Clapham in November 2009 by McVeigh, the former owner of the Bush Bar & Grill, Woody’s nightclub and the Grand Union pub in London.
The concept, which offers a diverse range of British and international beers, has since been rolled out to further sites in Battersea and near Tower Bridge.
It is thought that Johnson’s investment will enable the rollout of the pub concept into more locations within London and the M25.
Johnson’s investment in Draft House would mark his first move into the pub sector since he held stakes in Punch Taverns and Wellington Pub Company in the 1990s.
The former owner of Pizza Express and founder of Strada is one of the most successful and influential investors in the restaurant sector. He currently has personal stakes in the six-strong Feng Sushi chain and 3Sixty Restaurants.
Through his investment vehicle, Risk Capital Partners, Johnson also holds majority stakes in Giraffe, Patisserie Holdings and Gail’s Artisan Bakery.
