Greene King to expand franchised concepts to Wales

Pub operator Greene King has announced plans to roll out its franchised formats, Hive Pubs and Nest Pubs, into Wales.

The group also confirmed it will open 30 new franchise sites in 2026, having now surpassed 100 pubs operating under the model.

The milestone comes just four years after the launch of Hive Pubs in late 2021, followed by the debut of its Nest Pubs franchise concept in 2024.

Hive pubs have a food offering and a regular programme of entertainment and live sport, while Nest is a wet-led concept that targets sport fans and serves a simple pizza menu.

Last year, Greene King Pub Partners opened 30 new franchise pubs, including its first sites in Scotland under the Belhaven Pub Partners brand.

Greene King operates more than 50 franchised pubs in England.

Building on this, the company said it will open a further 30 Hive Pubs and Nest Pubs in 2026.

Greene King will also expand its franchise operations into Wales and the south-west of England for the first time.

This expansion will be facilitated by the growth of the Greene King Pub Partners franchise team through the hiring of two new business development managers and the internal promotion of a franchise business development.

Greene King said both concepts offer a ready-to-trade pub and proven business model for as little as £3,000 in-going cost.

Greene King Pub Partners managing director, Dan Robinson, said: “We are delighted with the ongoing growth of our franchise business, which continues to complement our very successful leased and tenanted pub business.”