Greene King Reaches 50 Hive Pubs

Greene King Pub Partners, the leased, tenanted and franchise business unit of Greene King, has opened its 50th Hive Pub – The Robert Kett in Wymondham, Norfolk.

Greene King Pub Partners’ Hive Pubs franchise offer first launched in late 2021, meaning the Hive Pubs franchise concept has grown to 50 pubs in less than three years.

Earlier this year, Greene King Pub Partners announced the launch of its second franchise concept, Nest Pubs, a more wet-led franchise pub offer – the first site of which launched earlier this year.

The Robert Kett, named after Wymondham’s most famous resident who led the Norfolk rising of 1549 against Edward VI, has been transformed into a Hive Pub after a £485,000 investment by Greene King.

Fittingly for the 50th Hive Pub, The Robert Kett is also due to mark its 50th birthday as the pub was built in 1974, making the pub’s transformation even more significant for local residents and pub goers.

As a Hive Pub, the Robert Kett will feature a fully upgraded bar and décor throughout, as well as a fully refreshed outside trading space for full year-round use.

As a Hive Pub, The Robert Kett will also serve a series of signature dishes exclusively available in Hive Pubs that feature “Hot Honey”, as well as Hive Pubs specific offers such as Pizza and Moretti Wednesdays and a steak dinner for two offer on Thursdays.

It will be operated by franchise Daniel and Daryl Seamons. The couple previously ran a social club before taking on The Robert Kett and will be running the pub with their youngest of three daughters, Emily, who will be working front of house in the pub alongside them.

A Hive Pubs franchise agreement offers licensees a ready-to-trade pub within a proven branded concept for just £5,000 ingoing cost. Franchisees can expect a minimum guaranteed income of £20,000 and they also get a percentage of food and drink sales. On top of this, they get a share of the profits in their pub and can earn a bonus as well.

Dan Robinson, Managing Director of Greene King Pub Partners, said:

“We’re incredibly pleased to hit the 50 Hive Pubs mark! The momentum we have behind our franchise pub offer remains and through Hive Pubs and our newest franchise pub concept, Nest Pubs, we’ll continue to open sites in 2024 and beyond.

“At our heart we still remain a leased and tenanted business and this will not change, but we are excited to continue the growth of our franchise pub offer.”