UNITED KINGDOM: Gastro pubs are continuing to prove a popular pull for consumers amid a broader downturn in the UK pub trade.

Private equity fund manager Brockton Capital announced its plans to almost double the size of its London gastro pub venture.

Brockton Capital’s decision is based on the belief that people continue to want to eat and drink out for under GBP20 a head, despite a consumer slowdown.

Food-led pubs are outperforming wet-led pubs and food and beverage market analysts are noting a divergence in the UK eating out market. They say those offering high quality food and those that have good value-for-money offerings are set to do well in the downturn and those operating in the middle market will get squeezed.

Brockton Capital’s expansion plans are the first evidence of the service trade beginning to reflect trends already underway in the retail food market, with discount, high-value and ethical propositions experiencing the most resilience.

For more information, contact Andrew Easdale, business development manager, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), London.

Contact NZTE’s London office.