Punch Taverns has now taken back all 20 pubs previously let to Cains Brewery, which is now in administration, writes Paul Charity.
Of the 20 sites, just six are currently closed with licensees recruited for the other 14.
A spokesman for Punch said: “We are actively recruiting high calibre licensees to run the remaining sites and have already attracted significant interest. We are confident that at least four of the six that are currently closed will re-opened within the next two to three weeks.
"As always, we will work closely with the new licensees to help them build successful, sustainable businesses that serve the local communities well.
“We have already had success in helping save the day for three couples due to get married at a hotel operated by Cains Brewery.
“Our regional team stepped in to find alternative operators within 24 hours and Punch settled the wedding bills in full. “
Punch is aware that some members of staff working at the pubs have been made redundant by the administrators of Cains.
“Although this situation is highly regrettable and we are sympathetic to their predicament, we would like to stress that these staff have at no stage been employed by Punch Taverns.”
