Expanding Liberation will keep investing

Investment in Liberation Group’s pub chain will continue, according to chief executive Mark Crowther.

The Channel Islands pub, bars and drinks business, has recently completed refurbishment work on both the White Hart and Houmet Tavern and before that The Red Onion.

Recently - acquired Laskas is next on the agenda for a minor refit, and it is looking for other establishments to purchase.

“Our strategy with our managed pubs is to get the environment right and then to deliver growth through great product and service. Obviously, getting our pubs in good physical condition is key to this. We have spent a lot on our existing estate with most pubs receiving capital expenditure over the three years since we acquired the business and are looking at carrying out a small refurbishment at our recently acquired Laskas. We will also look for further investment opportunities. Liberation Group owns 23 pubs in Guernsey, 10 of them managed and 13 tenanted. It also owns the Bucktrouts business.

Mr Crowther said the group had had a strong 2011 so far, added by the bank holidays and the royal wedding and that the reaction to the work carried our at the White Hart and Houmet Tavern have been fantastic. Both are trading well ahead of our financial forecasts and we've had lots of positive comments from existing and new customers”

The group is also investing in the training and development of its staff, with one example being the Cask Marque training which educated staff on handling real ale a s well as giving outlets accreditation based on the quality of their pints.