Crime & Safety
170 Greene King pubs at risk of sale or closure in the UK
The pub firm has assessed their 2,500 pubs, restaurants and hotels and today [March 18] unveiled their plan up to 2030.
It notes 150 have been earmarked for ‘potential sale over the medium term’ and two per cent of their 1,500 managed pubs – which would be around 20 – have been identified for closure.
It’s not clear which 170 pubs are planned for sale and closure but they claim 150 aren’t considered at ‘immediate risk of closure’.
Why are so many pubs closing?
The plan has been unveiled as news broke Zoe Bowley is stepping down as managing director of Greene King Pub.
CEO Nick Mackenzie believes the changes will set up the firm to ‘deliver sustainable profitable growth’ and ‘invest effectively in our core portfolio’.
He said Zoe ‘has decided that now is the right time for her to step down’ from Greene King.
The changes also include 150 directly managed pubs being converted into leased, tenanted or franchised venues.
Nick said: “We are confident that our new pub estate strategy will set us up to deliver sustainable profitable growth for the long-term as consumer habits continue to evolve and the operating environment remains dynamic.
“The realignment of our estate, which leverages our strategically important Pub Partners business, enables us to play to the strengths of our brands and capitalise on our investment in digital and loyalty.
“It also allows us to invest effectively in our core portfolio and most importantly continue to deliver exceptional experiences for our customers.
“I would like to thank Zoe for her leadership, counsel and the important role she has played in strengthening both our Greene King pubs over the past few years and before that our Metropolitan Pub Company business.
“Zoe has decided that now is the right time for her to step down but she will continue to support the business through a period of transition.
“Zoe will always be part of the Greene King family, and I wish her every success in the future.”
Greene King’s strategy also includes 150 directly managed pubs being converted into leased, tenanted or franchised venues.
They aim to grow their market share and improve margins by ‘creating a culture of efficiency’ through use of AI and tech investment.
The pub giant was founded in 1799 and currently employ around 40,000 staff.
Molly Monks F.I.P.A., an insolvency specialist at Parker Walsh , said: “Hospitality sites are continuing to struggle due to operating costs rising sharply in recent years. Energy bills, business rates, wage increases and supply chain pressures have all squeezed margins for pubs and bars.
“On top of that, the price of food and drink is rising across the supply chain, and with many households continuing to feel a financial squeeze, we’re seeing less people eating and drinking out. This change in customer habits is causing the hospitality industry to take a big hit in earnings.
“Greene King’s decision to put 150 properties on the market and move other sites into franchises and other business units is to be expected in this economic climate, as the pub giant is forced to reassess its assets and isolate any potential risk.
“But this decision from the country’s leading pub company should start ringing alarm bells for many because as long as costs continue to rise and margins continue to shrink, we’re likely to see more moves such as this across the hospitality industry.”
Thames Valley Police has now asked any witnesses to come forward and anyone with dash-cam footage to share it as they investigate the non-stop injury road traffic collision.
The incident occurred at 4.30am on Saturday, March 28 at the Banbury Road junction with Parks Road in Oxford, near to the University Parks.
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The pedestrian, who was in their 20s, was reportedly hit by a dark coloured Toyota while crossing the Banbury Road.
The motorist failed to remain at the scene of the collision and the pedestrian sustained minor injuries which were treated at hospital, Thames Valley Police stated on Sunday morning.
A spokesperson for the police said: “Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dash-cam footage to come forward following a non-stop injury road traffic collision.
“A pedestrian, aged in his 20s, was struck by a dark coloured Toyota whilst crossing the Banbury Road close to the junction with Parks Road, Oxford.
“The Toyota involved failed to remain at the scene of the collision.
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“The pedestrian sustained minor injuries which were treated in hospital, but has since been discharged.
“If you were the driver of the Toyota involved please contact Thames Valley Police online or via 101 quoting the reference 43260151582.
“If you were in the area at the time and think you might have information to help us, please contact us online using the same reference.”
The collection of seven coins, featuring characters such as Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggy Winkle, is currently up for sale on eBay.
Despite millions of Peter Rabbit-themed coins being produced, certain versions can attract significant interest online — especially those that are in pristine condition or from limited releases.
Beatrix Potter gold proof coins, like the 2020 Peter Rabbit Gold Proof 50p and the 2016 UK 150th Anniversary of Beatrix Potter 50p Gold Proof, are especially in demand.
Dealers generally value them between £1,800 and £2,200.
These gold proof coins are significantly more expensive than the ordinary silver proof or the brilliant uncirculated ones, which typically retail for under a few hundred pounds.
Factors such as the number of coins minted, their condition, market demand, and any minting errors influence a coin’s price.
While some coins have managed to secure substantial amounts online, experts suggest collectors focus on recently sold prices, rather than current asking prices.
Professional appraisals are also recommended to accurately determine a coin’s worth.
The Royal Mint has previously said that while some coins can be valuable, many listings reflect sellers’ expectations rather than guaranteed market value.
The Beatrix Potter collection has become one of the most sought-after series among UK coin collectors in recent years.
In summation, while a Beatrix Potter-themed 50p coin may sometimes be worth a substantial amount, various factors significantly influence its market value.
Prospective buyers and collectors are encouraged to stay informed and cautious when participating in online auctions and trades.
The married Spice Girl and former F1 boss live at the Oxfordshire border with Northamptonshire and have been locked in a number of planning battles with neighbours.
Most recently this has been over plans for a horse walker at her stables.
The celebrity pair own a horse racing company called OMBI and have built new stables for 14 horses at their Oxfordshire pad.
READ MORE: David Beckham’s new home plans condemned by neighbour as Blackpool-esque
They have employed a full-time trainer, and their horses are all named after Geri’s solo career hits.
But plans for the walker on land adjacent to their main home were met with anger by neighbours – with a number of objections registered with West Northamptonshire District Council.
Among the concerns were over the height of the building and visual impact, inadequate screening, lighting, and lack of a storage relocation plan.
But planning official Forrest Childs approved the application on Thursday, March 26.
He said in his decision notice that development of this nature in the open countryside “can be acceptable in principle where it supports an existing rural enterprise and does not result in unacceptable harm to the character of the area”.
Mr Childs added: “Given that the site already operates as an established equestrian holding, and the proposed horse walker represents a functional and proportionate addition to support the existing use, the principle of development is considered acceptable.”
The scheme is the latest in a number of planning rows between the couple and their neighbours.
They were recently given approval to keep a pergola that had been built without planning permission.
Last year they were also granted planning permission to build a second pool on the grounds despite fears that it would be a ‘blot on the landscape.’
One anonymous neighbour, who objected to the horse walker plans said: “Whilst we do not object to the principle of a horse walker to support the private equestrian use of the adjacent equestrian barn and other equestrian activities, we object to the plans as currently presented.”
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In a statement on behalf of Geri and Christian Horner, a planning agent said the structure “will be largely screened from all angles once the existing new hedging matures”.
The applicant also referenced DEFRA’s code of practice for the welfare of horses.
The planning agent added: “It states that animals must be given freedom to exercise off the tether for a reasonable period at least once a day.
“The installation of the horse walker will ensure that this is possible.”
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