Pub group Antic London secures seven-figure CBILS package

The funding package will help the group cover capex, property acquisition and working capital, according to ThinCats.

“2020 brought many challenges to the hospitality sector, and Antic, like many others, has had to be nimble and reactive in order to withstand the changing restrictions,” says Dave Sherrington, regional head of sales, London at ThinCats.

“The business flourished despite the restrictions imposed in the summer and the Antic teams have matched the remarkable level of resilience and adaptation shown by many; we can’t wait to see them deliver once more as the current restrictions ease.”

The pub group was founded in 1999 by Anthony Thomas and now operates more than 30 pubs, predominantly in south east London, characterised by their eclectic and shabby chic interiors.

“ThinCats have been enormously supportive and share our view that out of the current gloom, we shall see the sunny uplands of the hospitable endeavour that our communities so desperately miss, and with it, we may all enjoy our very own roaring 20s,” says Thomas.

In November 2020, Portobello Brewing took over the management of 13 freehold Antic Pubs, which were backed by Downing. According Antic, they were served notice by Downing 36 hours before the lockdown in November.

Antic is looking to reopen 17 of its pubs that have outside spaces, from 12 April.

Established in 1999, Antic traditionally identifies areas being rejuvenated, with architecturally interesting and well-positioned sites, to open pubs for the local communities.