Pubco Ei Group – formerly known as Enterprise Inns – is to partner with boutique hostel and historic pub operator PubLove, to jointly operate five sites.
The partnership is the seventh under Ei’s Managed Expert venture which sees it join with 'industry-leading’ managed house operators 'to benefit from their retailing capability'.
PubLove was established in 2007 by Ben Stackhouse, with the aim of safeguarding the future of the pubs it operates by diversifying and modernising its offer, but retaining its 'character and soul'. Four of the five sites under the new agreement are already leased from the Ei Group.
'Having worked closely with Ei Group for many years, we’re delighted to be partnering with their Managed Investments business,' Stackhouse said. 'With their experience and access to a strong pipeline of new sites, this is a great opportunity for PubLove as we look to expand.'
Nathan Wall, operations director for Ei Managed Investments, added: 'PubLove is an exciting proposition with its focus on establishing sustainable community pubs. We’re delighted to be part of its expansion and we look forward to a successful working relationship with Ben and his team.'
Stackhouse says the company has 'ambitious' expansion plans for the year ahead, including the major refurbishment of its White Ferry House pub in Victoria and the Crown in Battersea.
Ei first launched its Managed Expert arm in 2015, and now has a total of 21 pubs in the division, including partnerships with operators including Geronimo Inns founder Rupert Clevely, the Laine Pub Company, and Food & Fuel and Oakman Inns.
