Admiral Taverns, the UK’s leading community pub group has acquired 37 pubs from Fuller’s Brewery, two of which are located in Oxfordshire.

The Barley Mow in Upper Heyford near Bicester and The Queen’s Head in Wallingford are part of a package of 37 pubs which Admiral Taverns has purchased.

This takes the group's number of pubs in the region to more than 300 as the company sets out plans 

This has strengthened its portfolio in the south east and marks the latest step against the group’s strategy to drive profitable expansion, and take the group’s number of pubs in the region to more than 300.

The Barley Mow is a family-run pub serving home cooked food and cask ales in Somerton Road in Upper Heyford near Bicester. 

Over the past 12 months the group has continued to carry out its strategic commitment to "develop and maintain a high-quality estate of successful, individual wet-led community pubs, investing £39 million across its portfolio with strong support from its investor Proprium Capital Partners".

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Investments have ranged from major interior and exterior refurbishments, through to innovative sustainability upgrades to many individual pubs

Chief executive of Admiral Taverns, Chris Jowsey, said: “I’m delighted to welcome our new licensees to the Admiral team, and we’re excited by the opportunity to develop these pubs in partnership together.

"Recent years have seen Admiral build a strong track record in delivering profitable growth across our estate, underpinned by continuous targeted investment to unlock new opportunities, supporting community pubs to thrive.

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"These 37 pubs are an excellent acquisition for our business, increasing our reach in the South-East of the UK. 

"As 2024 Community Pub Operator of the Year, we look forward to working with licensees to develop their brand range and consumer offer to people in their local neighbourhood. 

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"Our focus on helping licensees to maximise the revenue potential of their pub will help them to build their business, whilst providing a vibrant social amenity for their community. 

"Together, we look forward to growing the profitability of these pubs and ensuring they continue to develop as successful small businesses."

He continued: “Despite the complexities of the macro-economic environment, across our estate we are seeing community pubs, and specifically wet-led establishments, maintaining their popularity amongst locals as people continue to enjoy going out for an affordable treat with family and friends.

"Wet-led, community pubs have demonstrated real resilience over recent times, and we remain optimistic that our nurturing ethos, entrepreneurial licensees and high-quality estate continues to position the Group well to be at the forefront of opportunities in our wider market.”

Admiral’s unique operational approach has earnt industry recognition with the Group winning Best Community Pub Operator, and being shortlisted for Best Leased & Tenanted Pub Company in this year’s Publican Awards.