New Moon founders set for Beef & Pudding roll-out

NEW Moon Pub Company is in growth mode and looking to expand its urban pub brand Beef & Pudding into Chester and Liverpool and then into Yorkshire.

The Knutsford-based company, founded three years ago by former Living Ventures sales and marketing director Paul Newman and chef David Mooney, said the response to the first Beef & Pudding on Booth Street in Manchester had given them the confidence to grow.

The business is close to sealing £1m from a European institution to fund its expansion push, and is also selling one of its six pubs, the Hanging Gate in Weaverham, Cheshire, to raise finance.

Newman told TheBusinessDesk.com: “We are at a very exciting time as we look to roll-out Beef & Pudding – we have been really pleased with the response to what was a fresh and unique concept for Manchester. We’re looking first to Chester and Liverpool and then further afield.  

“We are very much focused on cities – you could say we are in an urban phase. We have just opened up a new venue in Chester, Mockingbird Taproom, which we think could work in Manchester too.”

David Mooney says Mockingbird is themed round “Pan Gulf”, and offers a new take on Tex-Mex cuisine: “We’re cleaning up ‘dirty’ food – and it’s a massive opportunity for us.”
 
The pair accept that the launch of Beef & Pudding in March – their first urban venue – was something of a risk given the tough competition in the city centre.

Newman says: “You know very quickly if something will work or not. Manchester is incredibly vibant, and while there will always be casualties, we are pleased to be growing. David and I share a passion for this business, and we are very hands-on.”

Mr Newman said the funding would allow the business to grow, while also protecting his and Mr Mooney’s shareholdings.