Cash - who together with business partner Hamish Stoddart sold Peach Pub Company to Revolution for £16.5m earlier this month - has spent the past two years working with the group as a consultant, predominantly coaching Gurney in his role as managing director.
“Our vision is to have a group of five quality gastro pubs in the midlands, based on our successful model at The Tap & Run, Upper Broughton. Having built a group of 21 gastropubs, Lee is acutely aware of what it takes and what the common pitfalls are when hospitality companies begin to grow,” says Gurney.
Broad added: “When Harry and I were learning our craft on the cricket field, the counsel of senior players was hugely valuable to us and we don’t think commerce is any different. Lee has already added significant value to our business, and we are excited to see how that develops further over the coming years”.
In the first year of trading after the pandemic, The Tap & Run turned over double that of the twelve months prior.
The pub prides itself on the personality of the team and serves premium gastropub food in a modern pub environment with subtle nods to the cricketing heritage of its founders.
The pub was totally destroyed by fire in June this year. While the rebuild takes place, the team have been busy designing menus, working on interiors and creating systems and processes using Lee’s experience that will facilitate growth in a sustainable way.
“I am thrilled to officially be on board at The Cat & Wickets Pub Company. Harry has the kind of drive you don’t see every day, added to the team he’s already got around him I’m sure we’ll build something great – and have a lot of fun doing it,” adds Cash, who has taken up an official non-executive role at the business.
The Tap & Run is expected to reopen in April 2023.