Hartford in £5.8m deal for Henry J Beans

Bar and grill group Henry J Beans has been bought for £5.8m by the Hartford Group, owner of Jamies wine bars.

The five-strong managed chain was established in 1984, and although it's predominantly wet-led, its food business, which is mainly grill offerings, contributes a quarter of turnover.

Hartford chief executive James Kowszun said: "This is a quality business that hasn't resorted to extended opening hours or discounted drinks offers to achieve success."

Kowszun said the company would look to integrate the business before Christmas, and planned to have a Henry J Beans in every "university or cathedral city in the UK" in the future.

Henry J Beans managing director Douglas Smillie will head up the company's 17-strong international franchise business, which will be pushed to expand quickly now. Hartford Group has about 20 wine bars, including Jamies in London, with the majority operating in the City.