Urban Pubs & Bars Cruise to £8.7 M Profit, 26 % Growth while Expanding Rapidly

Urban Pubs & Bars Hits New Heights – EBITDA Soars to £8.7 million

London’s biggest independent pub chain just dropped the scoreboard: EBITDA jumped 26 % to £8.7 million for the year ended April 28, 2024. Talk about a punchline for the financial department!

What’s Inside the Numbers?

Turnover: Up 16 % to £60.5 million.
Like‑for‑Like Sales: A healthy 4 % lift across the board.
Christmas Surge: December sales shot up 16 %, and 75 % of venues put on their best sales week ever.

Now Playing in the City

With 53 pubs, bars and restaurants under its belt, Urban Pubs & Bars (UPB) has become the go‑to destination for Londoners looking for a good drink or a hearty meal. It’s not just the numbers that impress— the venues themselves are turning heads.

Cheers to New Additions

The Gun in Spitalfields – a historic spot gaining new life.
East Dulwich Tavern – classic charm meets modern vibe.
Balham Bowls Club – a bowl‑friendly paradise.

Renovation Resurgence

St Paul’s The Wren Tavern, Balham’s The Hagen & Hyde, and Clapton’s The Clapton Hart received extensive facelifts that turned the old into the gold.

Looking Ahead: 2025 & Beyond

Three new flagship openings are slated for 2025:

The George & Dragon – Wanstead’s newest treasure.
The London Fields – a modern haunt in Hackney.
New site in Covent Garden – ready to add some extra spice to the city’s theatre district.

Expansion plans for 2025–2026 are set to keep the momentum rolling, with a pipeline full of potential acquisitions and fresh developments.

Financial Fuel for the Future

Thanks to a revised agreement with Barclays, UPB now boasts a £30 million funding facility, giving them the ballast needed to push forward without being limited by cash flow.

Jim Pickworth, CFO: “Barclays has been a fantastic partner, and we’re thrilled to extend our relationship. This increased financial flexibility puts us in an excellent position to execute our strategic vision.”
Chris Hill, Managing Director: “Urban Pubs & Bars has had a landmark year. Our growth is the result of an amazing team that continues to deliver top‑notch experiences. From iconic pubs to innovative venues, we’re proud to represent the best London has to offer. Despite economic pressures, our solid performance gives us confidence. We’re excited about what 2025 and beyond will bring!”