Loungers: drinking, dining, thriving

Alex Reilley executive chair

In this fireside chat, Alex will discuss Loungers’ magic formula: driving expansion into small towns and secondary high streets and adding community value whilst maintaining healthy margins. He’ll share the pitfalls of being publicly listed, and why the price for going private was the right one. Finally, he’ll update us on ambitions from the Loungers brand, how Cosy Club and Brightside fit into the strategy, and what’s next, under new ownership.

Craft Union: a jewel in the crown of Stonegate

Frazer Grimbleby managing director

Craft Union Pub Company was one of the key draws for Stonegate’s acquisition of Ei Group – and it continues to punch above its weight in terms of trading and expansion. The architect of its success, managing director Frazer Grimbleby, sits down with MCA to discuss what makes the operator-managed model so popular, how its community pubs offer something for a broad range of demographics, and what’s next as the business pushes 650+ sites.

Nightcap: going private, diversification and a helicopter view on strategy

Sarah Willingham CEO & founder

Fresh from the acquisition of the world’s tallest moving observation tower, the Brighton i360, Sarah Willingham will share how Nightcap will bring its night-time hospitality expertise to the seaside landmark. The entrepreneur will also discuss taking her company private, her strategy for beating the challenges in the night-time economy, and building an inclusive culture at the growing company.

Urban Pubs & Bars: an entrepreneurial approach at London's biggest independent operator

Chris Hill managing director

Since it was founded 11 years ago, fast-growing Urban Pubs & Bars has expanded to an estate of 54 pubs, bars and restaurants across the capital. The much-admired, award-winning company boasts an estate of prominent city pubs and bars, alongside the Salt Yard collection of Mediterranean-inspired restaurants, and emerging experiential concept Bat & Ball. In this keynote presentation, managing director Chris Hill will share the vision and values behind the entrepreneurial operator-led company, how it plays to the evolving needs of discerning customers, as well as future plans for growth.

Panel: pubs in partnership - the hybrid model powering performance

• Chris Jowsey CEO, Admiral Taverns
• James Baer MD, Amber Taverns
• Andy Spencer CEO, Punch Pubs & Co

Britain’s leading community pub operators continue to flip sites into operator-managed to empower talented managers and share in the upside. In this panel discussion, leaders from Punch Pubs, Admiral Taverns and Amber Taverns explain how these hybrid arrangements drive strong performance, help publicans compete for market share, and create a halo effect for the wider business.

RedCat Hospitality: Acquisitions, consolidation, and driving the top line

Richard Lewis, group CEO

RedCat Hospitality’s Richard Lewis will discuss the company’s rapid growth, acquisition strategy, and future direction. Founded and chaired by Rooney Anand in 2021, the pub and inn operator has grown to nearly 100 sites, underpinned by acquisitions like the award-winning Coaching Inn Group and a quality freehold estate sitting under the RedCat Independent Pubs umbrella. Lewis will explore the group’s entrepreneurial approach to driving the top line, consolidating the estate, and investing in its people to build an industry-leading community of pubs and inns.

Panel: Destination venues - delivering exceptional experiences across the British Isles

• Jodie Tate, Managing Director, Destination Brands and Ventures
• Jonathan Lawson, CEO, Butcombe Group
• Andrew Turner, chief operating officer, St Austell Brewery

This panel will explore the strategies pub operators in regional beauty spots and out-of-town locations are using to attract a broad range of demographics and customer visits. From locally sourced food, exceptional drinks, standout events and extraordinary service and execution, our panellists consider what makes a destination pub a year-round success and worth making a special trip for.

Panel: Building and nurturing strong teams in a challenging market

• Jane Murray, director of learning, leadership and inclusion, Marston’s
• Helen Melvin, people director, Heartwood Collection
• Hannah Plumb, talent and culture director, The Alchemist

People are what makes a business, but with the extra labour costs bearing down on pub and bar operators, managing effective resourcing is becoming a harder challenge. In this panel we discuss the impact higher wages and increased employer national insurance contributions is having on hiring decisions, as well as how to instil a strong workplace culture and the work still to be done on diversity.

Panel: the sector's best, rising to the sustainability challenge

• David Briggs divisional director, Mitchells & Butlers
• Jon Dale strategic corporate affairs & ESG lead, Punch Pubs & Co
• Martin Godden director of property services, Shepherd Neame

As the world faces ever-pressing environmental challenges, pub operators are looking at ways to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt sustainable practices. This panel, featuring finalists from MCA’s Hospitality Awards 2025, will explore how pub companies are seeking more sustainable sourcing and supply chains, the role of energy-efficient technology, renewable energy and waste reduction; as well as the cost implications and return on investment when investing in green.

Parogon Group: Award-winning destination dining & plans for expansion

Richard Colclough co-founder and managing director

From its original vision to turn landmark properties into vibrant dining venues, Parogon has become an award-winning, destination food-led operator. Richard will discuss the mix of daypart propositions, property types and concepts such as its all-day Willow brand, and rolling out beyond its Staffordshire heartland. He will also share the company’s mission and pride in being recognised as one of Top 10 large companies to work for within the Sunday Times Top 100, as well as its B Corp certification.

Incipio Group: Category-defying destination venue

Ed Devenport CEO, co-founder

As it marks its 10-year anniversary, multi-concept group Incipio continues to evolve and establish itself, as it prepares to launch its biggest project yet, a 39,000 sq ft of F&B space at West London’s Olympia redevelopment. With a strong track record of operating destination venues and City hangouts, Incipio CEO and co-founder Ed Devenport will profile the Prince and Pergola operator’s diverse range concepts, growth opportunities in and outside of London, and why the group has a winning food and drink offering.