Punch and Neil Morrissey to create chain of sustainable pubs

Under the agreement pub company Punch and Morrissey's company With Neil Morrissey Pub Co hope to open a number of pubs across the country with a focus on community destination sites where they will indulge the Men Behaving Badly star's passion for real ale. 

The two parties decided to join forces following the success of their initial joint venture, The Plume of Feathers in Barlaston, Staffordshire. The pub, which re-opened in March following a £400k refurbishment, and operates under a 55/45 wet/dry split, has been hailed a success and is expected to provide the template for pubs in the group going forward. 

Morrissey said: “The Plume of Feathers has proved a real success and I feel very proud of the team – the pub industry is one that is very close to my heart and it’s been great to be so involved in this site. I intend to be just as hands on with our other Punch pubs as we take them on and will be regularly on site speaking to customers and staff, just as I am at the Plume of Feathers.” 

Punch chief strategy officer Neil Griffiths said the move was a new direction for both parties, but following the success of the Plume of Feathers, is confident it will work.

"After the success of the initial pub we knew this was a partnership that could be expanded considerably and one that fits well with our company strategy to utilise a broad range of flexible operating models that are in line with today’s evolving pub market," he said.

"We’re looking forward to identifying the best sites for the With Neil Morrissey Pub Co Ltd to run, getting the necessary investment and being ready to welcome customers into a very attractive environment.”