Exclusive – Stonegate to launch two new formats into managed estate: Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, is launching two new pub formats – Heritage Pubs and Pubsmiths – within its managed estate. Stonegate said the strategic move was in recognition there “can no longer be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach for our Pub & Dining estate” and aims to deliver “exceptional guest experiences by aligning each pub with the needs and preferences of its surrounding community”. Heritage Pubs focuses on pub classics served in a “cosy, family-friendly and rural setting”, while Pubsmiths offer a drinks-led experience in “lively social spaces serving small plates and shareable dishes in town and city destinations”. Heritage Pubs, which has been launched within 51 sites, are “the heart of their communities, welcoming families and four-legged friends alike in a genuine, friendly and easy-going atmosphere”. Stonegate said: “The food offering showcases pub favourites and Sunday roasts. Additional features include the Cask Ale Collector Card, where guests buy six pints and get the seventh free, and events like quiz nights and family orientated activities.” Pubsmiths, known as signature locals, operates across 12 sites, primarily located in London or “on bustling high streets”. They are designed to offer a “vibrant and sociable experience”. The menu includes 15 small plates, as well as sharers and classic pub ‘go-to’ dishes. Stonegate said the vision behind creating the two new formats was driven by in-depth data analysis and market research. It identified that trading profiles and guest behaviours were strikingly different across the Pub & Dining estate. The company said: “Destination pubs in rural areas often report a 40% food mix with visitors favouring Sunday lunches and daytime dining. In contrast, town and city sites typically show a 20% food mix with peak visits midweek or evenings. By segmenting the Pub & Dining division into two new pub formats, Stonegate can provide more tailored offerings that best suit different locations and varying guest needs. Their ambition is to serve moments that matter with well-loved traditional food and drink.” Both formats are part of the company’s new Dining Division, with a food-focused concept. David McDowall, chief executive at Stonegate Group, said: “We recognised there can no longer be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach for our Pub & Dining estate. By segmenting these pubs into two new formats, with Heritage Pubs including destination sites and Pubsmiths as town and city pubs, we’re able to better cater to the differing needs of our guests. This evolution is about setting up every site for success, putting the right pubs in the right places with the right offerings, and we’re excited to see our guests’ response.”

Diageo aiming to reshape luxury beverage sector with launch of new division: Diageo GB is launching the Diageo Luxury Company, a new division aimed at transforming the company’s performance in the luxury beverage sector in its home market. The division unites existing colleagues in marketing, sales and commercial teams under a new unified strategy and leadership team, with the launch intending to boost Diageo’s presence in the super-premium and premium segments. Diageo Luxury Company will focus on “bold and locally relevant innovations and brand building, as well as exciting consumer experiences” across both the on and off-trade as well as digital channels. Diageo said the new division will have a clear portfolio focus, activating five luxury spirit brands across Britain: Don Julio, Casamigos, Johnnie Walker, The Singleton and Ciroc. It comes as Diageo launches The Diageo Luxury Group, a newly created global division for Diageo’s “most valuable and exceptional assets”. While the Diageo Luxury Company will work with The Diageo Luxury Group, it will operate under the Diageo GB business alongside the market’s other core spirits and beer brands. Diageo Luxury Company will be led by Hinesh Shah, who has been at Diageo for almost 14 years, spending most of his career in North America working in roles across finance, sales, strategy and working with the largest customers and distributors in the world. His most recent tole was vice-president – commercial transformation in North America. Nuno Teles, managing director Diageo GB, said: “Through innovation, investing in diverse talent, and a commitment to excellence in execution, the Diageo Luxury Company promises to shape the future of luxury beverages.”