BUTCOMBE COMPLETES REFINANCING AHEAD OF NEXT PHASE OF GROWTH

Successful refinancing delivers better terms to the group, and paves way for further investment in existing premium estate while further enhancing acquisition capabilities too

Butcombe Group, a leading UK pub operator and brewer with a premium portfolio of managed pubs, inns and brewing operations, is pleased to announce the strategic refinancing of its debt facilities. The new facilities are provided by Barclays Bank, Lloyds Bank and NatWest, and comprise both term debt and a sizeable revolving credit facility.

The refinancing enhances the efficiency of Butcombe’s balance sheet, strengthens the group’s capacity to invest – both in its existing estate and in acquisitions – and will also facilitate a material return of capital to shareholders.

Commenting on the completion of the process, Simon Hope, CFO of Butcombe Group, said: “We are extremely pleased to complete this refinancing on attractive terms. It provides the flexibility to pursue our growth plans, enabling us to continue to invest in transformational projects within our existing estate, whilst also giving us the ability to actively assess and pursue acquisition opportunities.”

Butcombe recently reported strong full-year trading (to 31 January 2026) with like-for-like (LFL) sales growth of 8.0% across its managed pub division.  The performance was underpinned by drink sales growth of 10.1%, food at 6.5%, and accommodation at 5.3%, on an LFL basis.

The award-winning group received further external recognition last month for its stand-out performance and culture, winning Best Employer at the Publican Awards – the pub industry ‘Oscars’ – reflecting its continued focus on people, service and operational excellence.

The latest award comes as the business, which is headquartered in Bristol, continues to invest in its premium pubs and inns business – it will shortly complete the transformation of The Brown Cow, a development project that will near-double the trading capacity of the venue, located on West London’s Fulham Road.

Commenting on the refinancing, Jonathan Lawson, CEO of Butcombe Group, added: “I am delighted with the outcome of our debt refinancing, which is a strong endorsement of our strategy over the last five years. We have built one of the highest quality businesses in the sector, and this puts us in a very strong position to capitalise on both organic investment opportunities and selective acquisitions that can deliver strong returns.”