Enterprise Inns, the largest pub owner in the UK, and Food & Fuel, the London-based operator of gastro pubs and café bars, are delighted to announce the launch of a new venture under the name Frontier Pubs.
The venture will be Enterprise Inns’ third Managed Expert agreement as the Group partners with industry-leading managed house operators in order to benefit from their retailing flair and capability.
Food & Fuel, founded and run by Karen Jones, Jo Cumming and Peter Myers in 2006, will work with Enterprise Inns to develop pubs in and around London. Jones was formerly Chief Executive of Spirit Group ahead of its sale to Punch in 2006, having previously co-founded Café Rouge in 1989.
Simon Townsend, Chief Executive of Enterprise Inns, said: “This is further evidence of the progress we are making in developing our managed house estate at Enterprise. Karen has a strong track record as one of the most respected operators in the managed pubs sector and we’re very much looking forward to working with her and her team.”
Karen Jones said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Enterprise Inns. We have known Simon and the team at Enterprise for a long time: they are great to work with and we look forward to opening our first business together over the summer.”
Enterprise Inns last month agreed its second Managed Expert partnership with the creation of Mash Inns, a venture with Laine Pub Group. This follows the successful launch of Hippo Inns, with Rupert Clevely, in October 2015. Hippo currently has two pubs in operation, with the Duke of Sussex near Waterloo Station opening today (25 April), the Black Horse in Kingston opening on 2 May and a further two openings planned.
Enterprise Inns continues to discuss managed partnership opportunities with other pub retailers and expects to make further announcements in the coming months.