The Scottish Parliament has approved the SNP minority government’s budget, which also has the backing of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association.
Paul Togneri, of the SBPA, said that, overall, it was a positive budget for Scotland’s brewers and pubs, with support on business rates for the first time in three years.
“It remains an exceptionally difficult trading environment, and with the sector facing significant tax rises in April, reduced rates bills are massively helpful for those pubs receiving it,” said Mr Togneri.
“There are still hundreds of pubs above the ratings threshold who are missing out entirely, though, and they will rightfully be disappointed. It is not too late for this unfairness to be addressed, and we are still urging the government and opposition parties to look again at extending the 40% relief.
“Ultimately, we need a long-term solution to the rates issue to end the annual uncertainty. The disproportionately high bills faced by pubs compared to other sectors is costing investment, economic growth, and jobs. It needs fixing.”
• Young’s has opened the Tattenham Corner pub (pictured above) on Epsom Downs, Surrey, after a refurbishment. It acquired the premises from Whitbread in 2023.
The pub overlooks the famous racecourse, home to The Derby, and has been transformed to create a premium, destination pub and dining room.
• By The Horns brewery has entered liquidation, The Drinks Business has revealed, after ceasing trading last month. Bad debts and rising rent contributed to the brewery closure. However the owners’ bar at Wimbledon FC wil continue to operate until the end of the football season.
• Carnival Brewing Co, of Liverpool, has appointed administrators, according to The Gazette. The craft brewery creates a range of beers, from juicy IPAs to barrel-aged imperial stouts, and operates a tasting room at its microbrewery. The administrators are Paul Stanley and Jason Dean Greenhalgh, of Begbies Traynor.
• McMullen has acquired The Anchor, in Hullbridge, Essex, from Oakman Inns. It’s the third pub it has acquired from Oakman in as many months. The previous two were The Rose, in Wokingham, and The Polecat, in Prestwood, Buckinghamshire.
Peter Borg-Neal, chief executive of Oakman Inns, said: “Selling three fantastic pubs can never be a process that isn’t tinged with a degree of regret. But these disposals represent a first stage in our strategic plan and have enabled us to pay down a significant amount of debt.”
• Black Country Ales has acquired The Unicorn pub, in Ludlow. It becomes the 53rd venue in the brewer’s estate. The pub is set to undergo a minor refurbishment.
