Berkeley Inns acquires first central London pub

Derbyshire based pub group, Berkeley Inns, have secured their first London pub site.  The Rugby Tavern was acquired by way of a new 25 year free-of-tie lease from the Rugby Estate following an open marketing process.

A major renovation of the pub is in progress which will include a reconfiguration of the first-floor trading area to create a fine dining restaurant and private dining which will focus on fresh, seasonal produce with an emphasis upon classic British cuisine alongside an extensive and expertly curated wine list.  The site benefits from an outdoor trading area for over 50 covers and is expected to open before the Coronation.

Berkeley Inns fought off strong competition for this pub from over 40 other interested parties.  In this post-Covid and testing economy this really demonstrates the strong demand and appetite for well located, new leasehold pub opportunities within central London.

Panayiotis Themistocli of AG&G acted for Berkeley Inns and Andy Frisby of Fleurets acted for the freeholder.