Urban & Country Leisure is to invest £20 million in a new brand over the next three years after a rethink of its business.
The Midlands-based group, which operates 14 country pubs and restaurants in the UK, has forecast a downturn in the growth of the country pub sector.
Instead, it is refocusing its acquisitions policy on a new brand, The Lazy Cow (TLC) boutique hotel and restaurant.
It is actively seeking key sites in major cities and market towns throughout the UK for its TLC brand including Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Solihull, Newbury, Poole Lincoln and Henley On Thames.
The decision comes after the phenomenal trading success and launch of its first The Lazy Cow boutique hotel and restaurant which opened in November of last year in Warwick.
With the help of £20m of private funding, UCL plans to launch 15 more TLC units over the next three years.
By Bev Fearis
