Oaka Group, the sister company to the Peterborough-based Oakham Ales, would like to open more pubs in London after reporting strong trading at its first outlet in the capital.
Paul Hook, a partner in the business, told M&C Report that Oaka at the Mansion House in Kennington is “doing very well”.
“We like the vibrancy of London and we’d like to do more there. We’re keeping our eyes open, but we’re mostly concerned at the moment with consolidating the pubs and bars we have, and are concentrating on expanding the brewing side of the business.
“We are taking estate expansion very slowly. It’s really a matter of time and money for us, and we’re only interested in freeholds, which is obviously slower than the leasehold route.”
Currently celebrating 20 years since its foundation, Oakham has five tied sites, all freehold. Oaka, which opened in March, is a new concept for the company, serving pan-Asian food alongside its beers.
Sales are growing at 40% year-on-year for the brewery, Hook reported, driven chiefly by the Oakademy, a VIP club for pub stockists that offers extra support and sets quality standards. It currently has around 250 members.
