Charles Wells takes stake in Little Gems as it announces joint venture: Bedford-based brewer and retailer Charles Wells and Little Gems Country Dining, run by Steve Wilkins and Rachel Slater, have signed head of terms to form a joint venture to run a combination of the Little Gems and Charles Wells’ Apostrophe Pubs. The Joint Venture will see Charles Wells taking a stake in Little Gems. Little Gems runs the Park in Bedford, the Swan Inn in Milton Keynes Village, the Swan Inn in Denham and the Old Queen’s Head in Penn. Charles Wells’ Apostrophe Pub estate comprises the d’Parys Hotel in Bedford, the Merlin’s Cave in Chalfont St Giles, Cox’s Yard in Stratford upon Avon, and the Bull in Olney, which will be opening in early 2018. Charles Wells chief executive Justin Phillimore said: “I am really looking forward to working with Steve and Rachel. They bring with them enormous experience of growing and expanding successful food-led businesses and I believe now is a great time for us to team up as I see the next couple of years will give rise to many good investment opportunities.” Wilkins added: “While it will be business as usual for our Little Gems, this is a really exciting opportunity for all of us. This partnership will not only open up new avenues for growth but also for the sharing of best practice, the pooling of skills, and will help ensure the future success across the board, both for Little Gems and Apostrophe Pubs.”