Norwich Area Pubs

National Chains

Enterprise Inns

1. : General

This firm is, by a whisker, the second largest pub
company in the UK, with some 7500 pubs across its
leased and managed portfolios.

This is their claim, on the company's website; and can
readily be accepted at face-value. They are only just
pipped by Punch Taverns, who have over 7600 at the
present time (end of 2009).

By 2001 some pubs had been acquired from
TerraFirma - financiers - who were selling-off houses
formerly belonging to Phoenix Inns; and possibly
Inntrepreneur (ex-Grand Met etc.)

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2. : Takeovers by Enterprise Inns

An early takeover involved the Unique Pub Co.
in January 2004.
Unique Pub Co. logo

This firm had around 10 pubs in the Norwich area.

Sometime after 2007 the Caister-on-Sea firm of
RSM Taverns was taken over.
This involved the Woodside in Thorpe St. Andrew.

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3. : By Any Other Name

Like most conglomerates, Enterprise Inns are quite
happy to trade under the banner of any of the
previously acquired firms.

No attempt has been made to change the signs
on acquired houses.

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4. : Sales

Particularly in recessionary times, the firm has
found it difficult to get tenants for their pubs,
i.e. on a short-term leasehold basis;
especially given the high rents offered.

Enterprise Inns is currently (2010) reckoned to be in
dire straits financially, and has accordingly resorted to
freehold sales.
In the present situation they do not expect to get many
offers from budding pub licensees, so have been
prepared to offer premises free of any "tie".

Conversely, they are urging buyers to consider
alternative uses; despite the probable need for
Planning permission.
Already many pubs have been bought, some even
demolished; pending such approvals, &/or
a recovery in the house-building market.

Deviously, they are referring to closed pubs as former
pubs, almost as soon as they eject the last tenant.

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