Weekender: Bar operator targets ‘modern Yorkshire pubs’ in new expansion plans

An independent bar operator, based in Leeds, is expanding its business by re-launching as Concept Taverns.

Previously known as Jones Bar Group, the new company has become a separate entity from its sister company, Roxy Leisure.

This is a strategic move to focus on a “fast-growing estate of freehold ‘modern Yorkshire pubs’.”

Concept Taverns will be led by managing director Ben Jones and operations director Ben Warren, while Matthew Jones takes up the managing director position of Roxy Leisure, supported by operations director John Crowe.

The new Concept Taverns group comprises portfolio of five independent pubs, based in and around Leeds: Parkside Tavern (Merrion St), Bar 166 and Granvilles in Horsforth, as well as two new pubs recently acquired in Guiseley and Thackley.

The company currently employs 35 staff with plans to recruit more in the coming months as the business expands.

Ben Jones, managing director of Concept Taverns, said: “In a time when there are lots of leasehold restaurants and bars entering administration, we are seeking the security of being our own landlord by owning a freehold estate of pubs.

“We want to double our freehold estate by 2020, investing in new projects around Yorkshire that just focus on great products and service, in a proper pub environment. Our renovated venues will be modern pubs – good beer, solid drinks range, easy social spaces, simple food and welcoming staff.”

Jones added: “As consumer tastes have changed, we’ve seen the values of the traditional pub come to the forefront again, and we want Concept Taverns to be leading the charge when it comes to delivering that experience, in a way that today’s drinkers want it.

“Our target market is to be inclusive of all ages who enjoy good beer, wine, prosecco, gin and simple food, in modern pub surroundings. “

The newly launched business has begun works on its first ever micro-brewery at its oldest venue, Bar 166 in Horsforth. Soon to be rebranded as The Malt Brewhouse, the pub will brew its own beer for consumption across all Concept Tavern venues.

Ben Warren, operations director, said: “We’ve wanted to produce our own beer for a while now – we own a mostly freehold estate, so it’s a natural progression to brew our own beer, too.

“With the help of local advice from Horsforth Brewery and Kirkstall Brewery, we are building a four-barrel system capable of producing 2,500 pints of beer a week. Customers can watch their next beer actually being brewed whilst they have a pint.

“This rebrand of Bar 166 to The Malt Brewhouse defines the direction of Concept Taverns moving forward.”