British pub group Young’s is set to expand its portfolio with the opening of two new pubs, both scheduled to open outdoor terraces from Monday 12 April, and to launch fully in May, in line with the government’s recent road map announcement.
Acquired by Young’s last year, the Alban’s Well on St Peter’s Street in St Albans occupies the ground-floor of the former BHS building. The new 6,000 sq ft site is currently undergoing extensive building and design works to create a 168-cover pub and dining room alongside a 62-cover outdoor terrace.
Interiors will take a sustainable approach, with upcycled furniture and reclaimed tiling, while seasonal British menus will champion underutilised and ethically sourced ingredients, with a focus on plant-based and gluten-free dishes. The project will also see the introduction of a self-service wine experience from the ‘Wine Wall’, offering a wide range of wines by the glass.
Young’s will also open its fifth pub in Greenwich in the same month, following its purchase of the Grade II listed Enderby House in 2018. A piece of maritime history, Young’s is sympathetically renovating the historic house that dates back to 1835. The three-storey local pub features two dining rooms and a variety of private dining rooms, alongside the main bar and two outdoor terraces.
Design elements take inspiration from the building’s heritage, while menus will celebrate the best of seafood and British produce, together with a selection of local craft and draught beers.
Patrick Dardis, Chief Executive, Young & Co. commented, “After the most challenging of year for our industry, we are pleased to announce the arrival of these two new pubs this spring.
'With the reopening of hospitality finally on the horizon, we are looking forward to welcoming guests back into our pubs and establishing both Alban’s Well and Enderby House at the heart of their respective local neighbourhoods.”
The acquisitions will join Young’s 200-strong pub portfolio, marking the continued growth of the company in and outside of London. All Young’s pubs and hotels are set to reopen on 17 May 2021, with 143 sites opening pub gardens from 12 April.