London-based Urban Pubs & Bars portfolio rises to 65

London-based independent pub group Urban Pubs & Bars has acquired five venues across the capital amid a renewed expansion drive.

The deals, which are due to complete on 19 January, encompass the Prince Regent in Herne Hill alongside four Brunning & Price outlets, ranging from the Roebuck and the Steam Packet in Chiswick to the Queens in Crouch End and Coco Momo brasserie in Kensington.

With the addition of these five sites, Urban Pubs & Bars now operates 65 venues across London, delivering annual sales in excess of £100m.

In October last year, the group also acquired the Albion & East restaurant and bar group, which saw the addition of four London venues: Teatro Hall in Ealing, Canova Hall in Brixton, Botanica Hall in Clapham Junction and Serata Hall in the City of London.

And in 2024, it purchased 11 former Antic hospitality group pubs, including Balham Bowls Club, out of administration.

Chris Hill, managing director of Urban Pubs & Bars, said: “Well-run, well-positioned businesses are thriving in the capital. We’re seeing robust demand across our estate and strong like-for-like growth, which gives us the confidence to keep investing. These latest acquisitions are exactly the kind of sites we look for, and we’re excited about the opportunities they present as we continue to grow our London estate.”

Urban Pubs & Bars was founded by Malc Heap and Nick Pring in 2014 and has been backed by Davidson Kempner and Global Mutual since 2021.