Stonegate Group is excited to introduce its Social Pub & Kitchen brand, following the refurbishment and rebrand of pubs across England and Scotland.
With more than £5 million invested into refurbishing its pubs in FY24 and with more to come in FY25, this investment project not only signals a significant commitment from Stonegate Group to enhance its Managed estate, but also supports local communities with more than 300 jobs created and sustained across the UK.
Although Social Pub & Kitchen has been a part of the Managed Stonegate portfolio since 2022, the brand is now being introduced to consumers for the first time with newly transformed pubs and refreshed branding.
James Metcalfe, Marketing Director at Stonegate Group, said: “It’s exciting to introduce Social Pub & Kitchen to the public as a brand that offers an inclusive, fun and individually crafted pub experience. We’ve thoughtfully invested in each site to ensure they are well-positioned for success, providing every pub with its own unique character while maintaining a strong, cohesive identity that celebrates exciting new food innovation, awesome draught beer and best in class sports experience. We want consumers to easily recognise and seek out Social Pub & Kitchen for its distinctive look and feel, as well as the memorable experiences on offer.”
Social Pub & Kitchen’s aim is to redefine the concept of the Great British pub with its ‘Pub 2.0’ approach, providing a modern twist on a traditional pub. Combining high-quality drinks, sociable, shareable food and laid-back atmospheres, each pub is a destination that caters to every occasion. The new branding reflects a fresh, modern aesthetic, with distinct individual touches at each location, from local artist collaborations on signage to updated beer gardens and interior designs.
Recent refurbed Social Pub & Kitchen sites include popular student and community pubs like Gosta Green and Bristol Pear in Birmingham, The Anchor in Bristol, The City Arms in Oxford and Off The Wall in Chester, where six-figure investments have not only enhanced the guest experience, but also created and sustained more than 300 jobs in local communities. With a focus on delivering premium entertainment, each site now boasts revamped spaces for watching live sports, enjoying craft beer and socialising with friends.
One of the core pillars of the Social Pub & Kitchen brand is individuality. While all Social Pub & Kitchen pubs share a commitment to quality and experience, no two venues are exactly the same. Each refurbishment includes elements tailored to the local area and preferences, such as partnerships with local artists to create bespoke signage and artwork. There are homages to local football teams in some pubs, such as Oxford United at City Arms and Bristol Rovers at The Anchor. Guests will be able to identify the iconic Social Pub & Kitchen shield on the exterior, signalling a warm welcome inside.
Sport is a key focus across Social Pub & Kitchen, with regular live screenings of the biggest events including football, boxing, Formula One, rugby and women’s sports. Embracing the brand’s sports mantra, “If it’s live, it’s on,” Social Pub & Kitchen ensures fans never miss a moment. New partnerships with HerGameToo and England Netball reinforce the brand’s commitment to inclusivity in sport. Whether it’s sharing a pint during the Six Nations or cheering on teams during the Women’s EURO 2024, these venues are built to unite fans.
With Camden Brewery providing uniforms and collaborations with Doritos and Heineken for a Champions League meal deal, the partnerships that underpin Social Pub & Kitchen also enhance the guest experience in exciting ways.
Bottomless brunch is another offering at Social Pub & Kitchen, featuring a two-hour experience with a varied menu of delicious dishes and popular drinks like the iconic Pornstar Martini.
The investment comes at the perfect time, with students starting or returning to university in recent weeks. Social Pub & Kitchen’s appeal to the 18-40 demographic makes it a top destination for those who enjoy vibrant atmospheres and great offers. With an industry-leading student offer featuring big-name brands like Birra Moretti and Beavertown Neck Oil, alongside popular deals like 2-for-1 cocktails, pizza and pint offers, Social Pub & Kitchen is set to be a go-to spot for students and young professionals alike.
In addition to the on-site improvements, the pubs are part of Stonegate’s MiXR app ecosystem, where users can access exclusive deals, locate their nearest Stonegate venue and redeem points for rewards. Users are offered a free drink when they download the app and register along with a range of seasonal missions and perks from selected partner brands. The rapid growth of the app, which recently hit 1 million downloads in under a year since launch, is complemented by the success of MiXR’s digital screens, installed in more than 500 Stonegate venues across the country, including Social Pub & Kitchen sites.
James continues: “The significant investment into Social Pub & Kitchen highlights our commitment at Stonegate to investing wisely in high-quality, individually crafted pub experiences.
“As the brand continues to grow, the newly transformed venues offer an exciting future for guests. We’re blending modern pub culture with community values, on-trend food innovation, a great draft beer range, excellent sports experiences and student offers. Social Pub & Kitchen is set to become a standout format in the UK’s pub landscape, with more exciting developments on the horizon.”