InnBrighton turns to DCL again to continue London expansion

January 9, 2014

Brighton-based multiple pub operator, InnBrighton has, through DCL – the leisure specialists – acquired the assignment of a free-of-tie lease on the Hundred Crows Rising in Islington.

This is the sixth London pub for the company, which is backed by Graphite Capital, and follows its most recent London opening – the Aeronaut in Acton – which began trading last year. The pub will reopen next month as the Joker of Penton Street – named after regency entertainer Joseph Grimaldi who lived on the same street and regularly performed at nearby Sadlers Wells.

The 3,400 sq ft pub benefits from a large open plan trading area on the ground floor with bar area and show kitchen. Customer WCs and ancillary storage and cold room are located in the basement. The first floor boasts a private function room which can accommodate up to 80 people with beer tap, disabled lift access and a separate kitchen. It also benefits from a 3:30am alcohol licence 6-days a week.

InnBrighton chairman Gary Pettet said: “The Hundred Crows Rising is the sixth acquisition InnBrighton has made in London in the last two years and gives us as significant presence outside of Brighton. The acquisition momentum is building as planned towards our target of a 25 strong estate in a London market that is proving to be very receptive to the InnBrighton style of pub.”

Chris Bickle of Davis Coffer Lyons, who acted for the vendor, said: “This is the fourth free-of-tie site InnBrighton has purchased through DCL since entering the London pub market in 2011 at The Britannia in Victoria Park, Hackney. They have an excellent eye for attractive period venues in urban locations which prove very popular with their target demographic. Our unique understanding of the Capital’s pub market has meant we have been perfectly positioned to help them to expand and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.”