Stonegate pub and bar chain investigated over 'unfair' treatment of landlords
News Source
β’Wed, 15 Jul 2026 16:39:53 GMT
π° What Happened
The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) has launched an investigation into Stonegate Group, Britain's largest chain of bars and pubs, over concerns about 'unfair' treatment of landlords who run more than 3,000 of its venues. If found to have breached the pubs code, Stonegate could be fined up to 1% of revenue β more than Β£16 million.
π The Backstory
Stonegate Group owns over 4,000 venues including the Slug & Lettuce and Be At One chains, making it the UK's largest pub company. The pubs code governs the relationship between pub-owning companies and 'tied' tenants who lease premises in exchange for reduced rents and other benefits. The PCA, Fiona Dickie, said she had been in discussions with Stonegate for months regarding a 'small number' of cases but was aware of other complaints. Allegations include failure to provide accurate information about required repairs, with the PCA now seeking further information. The investigation covers Stonegate's more than 3,000 tenanted and leased pubs, but not its managed venues. The UK pub industry has long been criticized for the 'tied' model, where tenants are required to buy beer from the pub company at inflated prices, though reforms have been implemented to address this.
π― Why It Matters
The investigation into Britain's biggest pub company could have major implications for the thousands of landlords who run tenanted pubs across the UK. A finding of serious breaches could lead to significant financial penalties and force Stonegate to reform its practices. The case also highlights ongoing tensions in the tied pub model, which has been a source of controversy in the UK hospitality industry for decades.
The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) has launched an investigation into Stonegate Group, Britain's largest chain of bars and pubs, over concerns about 'unfair' treatment of landlords who run more than 3,000 of its venues. If found to have breached the pubs code, Stonegate could be fined up to 1% of revenue β more than Β£16 million.
Stonegate Group owns over 4,000 venues including the Slug & Lettuce and Be At One chains, making it the UK's largest pub company. The pubs code governs the relationship between pub-owning companies and 'tied' tenants who lease premises in exchange for reduced rents and other benefits. The PCA, Fiona Dickie, said she had been in discussions with Stonegate for months regarding a 'small number' of cases but was aware of other complaints. Allegations include failure to provide accurate information about required repairs, with the PCA now seeking further information. The investigation covers Stonegate's more than 3,000 tenanted and leased pubs, but not its managed venues. The UK pub industry has long been criticized for the 'tied' model, where tenants are required to buy beer from the pub company at inflated prices, though reforms have been implemented to address this.
The investigation into Britain's biggest pub company could have major implications for the thousands of landlords who run tenanted pubs across the UK. A finding of serious breaches could lead to significant financial penalties and force Stonegate to reform its practices. The case also highlights ongoing tensions in the tied pub model, which has been a source of controversy in the UK hospitality industry for decades.