Restaurant Group Unveils Major Rebrand and Pub Portfolio Acquisition
In a significant strategic move, the restaurant group Various Eateries has announced plans to change its name to the Coppa Collective as part of a bold expansion into the pub sector. The company, which operates the popular Coppa Club and Noci venues, confirmed this rebranding alongside a deal to acquire a portfolio of pubs with rooms from Grosvenor Pubs and Inns.
Details of the Acquisition and New Brand Launch
The acquisition involves four initial sites, with the transaction expected to be finalised on or around 23 March. An additional agreement has been secured for a potential fifth location, pending completion. The pubs joining the new Coppa Collective are:
- Wild Thyme & Honey in the Cotswolds
- The Hare & Hounds in Berkshire
- The Stag on the River in Surrey
- The Wellington Arms in Hampshire
Furthermore, terms have been agreed for the potential acquisition of The Queen’s Head, also located in Surrey. 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, which could take up to six weeks.
Financial and Strategic Implications
The group, founded by Punch Pubs founder Hugh Osmond, will pay £11.25 million for the initial four pubs once the deal completes. This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Various Eateries, which currently runs 20 sites, including restaurant, club house, and hotel venues. The deal comes just a month after the business indicated it was exploring merger and acquisition opportunities to drive growth.
Upon completing the deal, Various Eateries will introduce a third brand within its portfolio, called The Linwood Collection. This new brand will focus on premium pubs with rooms, aligning with the company’s expansion strategy.
Leadership Insights and Market Positioning
Mark Loughborough, chief executive of Various Eateries, commented on the development: “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.”
He added, “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.”
The rebranding to Coppa Collective and the acquisition of these pubs signal a strategic shift towards diversifying the group’s offerings and capitalising on the growing demand for premium hospitality experiences. This move is expected to enhance the company’s market presence and drive further growth in the competitive UK hospitality sector.
