Ultimate Entertainment Services (UES), the Kent-based leased pub operator is planning to roll out its Mexican and English cookhouse themed format, co-founder Gareth Finney has told M&C Report.
The company, which was founded in 2008, opened its fifth pub, the Limes at Faversham, at the end of May. All the company’s leases are with Shepherd Neame and Finney said he and fellow director Dan Sidders were keen to continue their relationship with the landlord. He said Whitstable would be the company’s next target.
UES operates two core models - a Mexican and English cookhouse and a classic pub – although its Shakespeare site in Canterbury is split between a city centre wine bar and a restaurant.
Finney, reigning British BBQ Battle champion, said: “The Mexican theme came from the fact I don’t think Tex Mex is done very well here. For Faversham it was a bit of a revelation. There are a lot of areas that don’t have anything similar where that model can work well. There’s a lot of scope.
“For me to put one of each of my brands in a place like Whitstable would not be over-doing it. Having the Mexican and English cookhouse theme and the British pub would work in the same town so that gives us a lot of scope in our area.
“We are keen to grow but how quickly we do that depends on what sites come up and the personnel we have in place. To be honest, we didn’t expect to grow as quick as we have.
“So far we have ben purely leasehold and that’s where our experience is but if the right freehold property became available we do have the resources to get backing for it.”
