Oak Taverns, the Oxfordshire-based multiple pub operator, is looking to acquire bigger sites as it exits two Enterprise Inns pubs, managing director Simon Collinson has told M&C Report.
Oak Taverns is exiting Enterprise’s Hare & Hounds in St Albans, Hertfordshire, and the Bull at Hellesdon, Norwich. “We are coming out of a couple of Enterprise sites that haven’t worked for either of us,” Collinson said.
He said the 23-strong company was looking at “similar opportunities” to the Black Horse in Barnett, north London, a Punch leasehold that Oak Taverns had operated for about a year. The firm wants “more managed house-sized businesses”, said Collinson.
The company has traditionally taken sites that generate between £6,000 and £7,000 per week, he said. The Black Horse generally takes £20,000-plus. “It’s a whole different ball game,” said Collinson.
Eight weeks ago Oak Taverns opened a “big food site”, the Pink & Lilly in Lacy Green, Princes Risborough, which is held on a private lease.
Collinson said: “We are very much going for that mid market. It’s a bit crowded but it’s where the growth is.”
