Restaurant Group Various Eateries to Expand into Pubs with £11.25 Million Acquisition and Name Change
Restaurant firm Various Eateries, known for operating the popular Coppa Club and Noci venues, has announced a significant strategic move to expand into the pub sector. The group has struck a deal to acquire a portfolio of pubs with rooms and will concurrently change its name to the Coppa Collective. This rebranding and expansion initiative marks a pivotal moment for the hospitality business, which was founded by Hugh Osmond, the original founder of Punch Pubs.
Details of the Pub Acquisition Deal
The group has agreed to purchase four premium pubs from Grosvenor Pubs and Inns for a total of £11.25 million. The acquisition is expected to be completed on or around March 23, 2026. The initial four sites included in this deal are Wild Thyme & Honey located in the Cotswolds, The Hare & Hounds in Berkshire, The Stag on the River in Surrey, and The Wellington Arms in Hampshire.
In addition to these confirmed purchases, Various Eateries has secured terms to potentially acquire a fifth site, The Queen’s Head in Surrey. However, this venue is subject to an "asset of community value" process, meaning it can only be sold after the relevant statutory notification and moratorium period has expired. This could take up to six weeks, adding a layer of complexity to the expansion plans.
Strategic Rebranding and New Brand Creation
As part of this expansion, Various Eateries will undergo a name change to the Coppa Collective, reflecting its evolving identity beyond just restaurants. Furthermore, upon completion of the deal, the group will introduce a third brand within its portfolio called The Linwood Collection. This new brand will encompass the acquired pubs with rooms, highlighting the group's diversification into the premium hospitality market.
Mark Loughborough, chief executive of Various Eateries, emphasized the strategic importance of this move. He stated, "Linwood marks an important step in the evolution of the group. We are bringing into the business a small collection of premium pubs with rooms that have earned their reputations the right way, through great hospitality, careful attention to detail, and a real sense of place. This is also a format we know well and rate highly in the current market. Premium pubs with rooms combine food and drink with accommodation and a broader, destination-led appeal."
Background and Growth Strategy
Various Eateries currently operates 20 sites across the UK, including a mix of restaurant, club house, and hotel venues. This acquisition comes just a month after the business indicated it was actively considering merger and acquisition opportunities to drive growth. The move into pubs with rooms aligns with this strategy, leveraging the group's expertise in hospitality to tap into a lucrative market segment.
The expansion not only broadens the group's offerings but also strengthens its presence in key regions such as the Cotswolds, Berkshire, Surrey, and Hampshire. By integrating these established pubs into its portfolio, the Coppa Collective aims to enhance its destination appeal and cater to a wider audience seeking premium dining and accommodation experiences.
