Eclectic takes over management of Premium Bars and Restaurants
Eclectic Clubs and Bars has taken over the management of the 33-strong Premium Bars and Restaurants group (PBR), after Orchid Group decided to concentrate on its core operations.
Orchid took control of PBR, whose brands include the Living Room chain, when it went into administration in 2009.
Eclectic, which operates Po Na Na, is backed by private equity company Avanti.
Orchid, which is now backed by Deutsche Bank following a refinancing earlier this year, is understood to want to concentrate on its own estate of about 300 managed pubs.
David Myers, chairman of PBRL, said: "Whilst it is generally recognised that the last few years have been very difficult for the UK hospitality sector, now is the right time to bring in the Eclectic team which has the specific expertise to drive both The Living Room and the Ultimate Leisure businesses forward."
Reuben Harley, chief executive of Eclectic, said, "We are delighted to be taking on this business which will bring the total number of sites we operate across the UK to almost fifty. We see great opportunities in bringing our brand development expertise and service culture to the PBRL group and look forward to working alongside many excellent people within the current PBRL team."
Orchid Group rescues 43 Premium Bars and Restaurants sites >>
By Neil Gerrard
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