Hospitality business looking to increase its pubs operation

A North Yorkshire business which runs two country pubs is looking to add more to its portfolio.

MATTGRAY Hospitality, launched by partners Graham Usher and Matt Rose earlier in the year, is seeking to either buy or rent suitable properties within North and East Yorkshire.

The business notes that at a time when many pubs are closing due to falling sales, both its public houses – The Drovers Arms at Skipwith and the Castle Inn at Cawood – have recorded successive month-on-month growth for more than a year.

The company is actively pursuing new opportunities in the licenced trade, including those properties which have guest accommodation, as well as premises that can be converted into bars.

Managing director Graham Usher said: “When I took on The Drover five years ago it had been closed for a number of months, whilst The Castle Inn, which came under our stewardship just under two years ago, was ‘failing’.

“Thanks to hard work, a dedicated team and giving customers what they want – namely great food, great service and great surroundings – we have seen both their fortunes reversed.

“We are now in a position where we want to add more pubs and restaurants to our portfolio, and have begun actively seeking suitable sister-venues to The Drovers Arms and Castle Inn, ones that we can breathe new life into.”

Director Matt Rose said: “We have very bold and exciting plans for the business, and a chain of pubs forms part of our ambitions. Over the last few months we have been keeping a close eye on the marketplace, but there hasn’t been anything that has really grabbed our attention.

“Whilst we would like to have a third property by January, we will not be rushed into making any rash decisions.”