Spirit Pub Company opens 100th John Barras pub, targets 200 mark
The Chase Hotel in Nuneaton was opened by head of brand at Spirit, Sebastian Leheup-Jones, following a £225k renovation of the bar and kitchen area in the Warwickshire venue.
"This is a fantastic achievement for the John Barras brand," Leheup-Jones said.
"We have worked extremely hard to create a brand that is right for our neighbourhood pubs; one that is famous not only for its great value but also for sticking to the traditional values of a local pub by offering great sports viewing and live entertainment."
The company, which also operates the Flaming Grill, Chef & Brewer, Fayre & Square and Taylor Walker brands, re-launched the John Barras brand in Preston just under three years ago.
Double up
Now at an estate of 100 venues, the brand relies on community custom and focuses on 'experiences' such as food, drink, sport or entertainment which are relevant to the local area and population.
Leheup-Jones revealed the brand would remain a key focus for the Burton-on-Trent-based firm which now has more than 800 managed pubs and over 500 leased venues.
“We are still investing in developing and growing the brand and we have high aspirations with an aim to hit the 200 mark in the future. As such, we are looking to attract and recruit high calibre general managers to be part of this exciting and fast growing brand.”
The Chase Hotel opening, which has helped create 15 new jobs in the area, was marked with a 'burger' cake and a special cask ale while the pub will be joining others across the estate in hosting a special Children in Need quiz.
