The Bury St Edmunds-based brewing giant Greene King is gearing up for significant expansion, announcing plans to open 30 new pubs across the UK by 2026. This initiative marks a considerable milestone for the company as it continues to build on its franchise model.
Celebrating Growth with New Openings
Greene King’s recent achievements include the launch of its 100th franchise venue. In 2025, the company successfully launched 30 franchise pubs, including its first in Scotland, The Tarbet in Edinburgh, after investing £285,000 in renovations.
Expansion Plans
The upcoming expansion will see Greene King venture into Wales and the Southwest of England for the first time. Penelope Bruce, the director of franchise operations, expressed excitement about reaching 100 franchise venues. She noted, “Just over four years after launching our first Hive Pub, our franchise offer continues to grow.”
- New franchise openings include:
- Millwrights in Aylesbury
- The Freemasons Arms in Wigan
- The Flag Inn in Egerton
Franchise Opportunities
Greene King is actively looking for experienced pub managers to join its franchise network. The investment required to become a franchisee can be as low as £3,000, covering fees and training. Earnings for franchisees will depend on food and drink sales.
As part of this expansion, Greene King plans to enhance its Pub Partners team. This will involve the recruitment of two new business development managers aimed at supporting franchise growth.
Dan Robinson, the managing director of Greene King Pub Partners, highlighted the ongoing success of their franchise business, stating, “We are delighted with the growth, which complements our successful leased and tenanted operations.”
With 30 new pubs set to open, Greene King’s commitment to expansion reflects its strategic growth and dedication to enhancing the UK pub landscape.
