Heartwood Collection acquires two new sites in pubs with rooms expansion

Heartwood Collection, formerly known as Brasserie Bar Co, has acquired two new freehold pubs as part of its ongoing expansion plans.

The group has taken on the Plough and Harrow in Long Ditton, south-west London, and the Crown in the cathedral city of Lichfield.

Both deals form part of Heartwood's aim to grow to up to 60 pubs with up to 500 bedrooms by 2027.

Brasserie Bar Co was founded by chef Raymond Blanc and Mark Derry and was acquired by Alchemy Partners in early 2022. It rebranded as Heartwood Collection earlier this year and secured £100m funding with the ambition to expand in the premium pub sector.

The business currently operates 20 Heartwood Inns pubs and 14 Brasserie Blanc restaurants across the UK.

The Plough and Harrow will reopen in November following a refurbishment.

It will feature 139 internal covers with bifold doors opening onto a large garden, which will be landscaped to create space for a further 100 seats, including 38 in a newly built garden room.

The Crown is expected to open in late January 2024 and will feature 128 indoor covers, including a semi-private dining space for 14 guests a garden room for up to 50 people.

A sheltered, tiered courtyard will create a further 74 seats designed for year-round dining with a heated pergola.

Richard Ferrier, managing director of Heartwood Collection, said: "We are delighted that two iconic pubs in Long Ditton and Lichfield will be joining the Group.

"We are firmly committed to investing in both of the pubs for the long term. We cannot wait to see them re-open as Heartwood Inns."

Heartwood announced the acquisition of its first pub with rooms, the White Horse in Dorking, Surrey, which is due to open in early 2024. The group also recently opened the Black Swan in Henley in Arden, Warwickshire.