Admiral Taverns has acquired community pub operator Mountain Pub Company from specialist investment manager Downing.
The Southport Coaster, part of the Mountain Pubs estate
Led by Helen Standing, Mountain Pubs operates a portfolio of 10 high-quality, wet-led, operator-manged community pubs. They are at the heart of several local communities across the North of England and include The Southport Coaster, and The White Hart, Todmorden.
Upon completion of the acquisition, the Mountain Pubs portfolio will sit as part of Admiral Taverns’ Proper Pubs business, led by Nathan Wall. Proper Pubs is the wet-led operator division of Admiral Taverns, operating 245 pubs across England, Scotland, and Wales.
The acquisition marks the latest step in Admiral Taverns’ strategy to expand its nationwide footprint and cement its position as the UK’s leading community pub group. Backed by Proprium Capital Partners, the group has a strong track record of profitable growth, with continuous and significant capital investment across its estate.
“On behalf of the entire team at Admiral Taverns, I am delighted to welcome the Mountain Pub Company to Admiral Taverns,” said chief executive Chris Jowsey. “We have long admired the Mountain Pubs business and share the same unwavering passion for supporting community pubs across the country.”
Helen Standing added: “Mountain Pub Company launched with The Southport Coaster in November 2022, founded on an ambition to create high-quality, well-invested community pubs, growing to 10 pubs over two years. Mountain’s operating partner model combines local entrepreneurship with clear operating standards, commercial discipline, and central support, allowing each pub to develop its own identity and community offer.
“It has been a pleasure to work alongside Downing throughout Mountain’s growth journey. Their support and background of investment in the sector has been instrumental in helping us build a strong and successful pub business. We are pleased that Admiral Tavern’s experienced operator managed team will continue to invest in and grow Mountain.”
