Mitchell and Butlers plots way forward

Mitchells and Butlers (M&B) will open the first Brown’s Brasserie in six years as part of a planned expansion of the group’s empire.

The new restaurant will replace a town pub in Manchester’s Spring Gardens and is the first of 35 that are planned to open across the UK, trebling the current number of sites to a total of 50.

While the actual plans have yet to be submitted, the local authorities are said to be “very supportive” of the development.

M&B’s main brands are Harvester, Toby Cavery, Crown Caveries, Sizzling Pub & Co, Premium Country Dining and Vintage Inns.

The group is in the process of streamlining and focusing more on its core attributes – a process it began in 1998 when it sold off the vast majority of its non-food/drink establishments.

The current focus is shifting to food-led rather than wet-led outlets. In line with the move, it recently sold Hollywood Bowl to AMF for £39m.

Similarly, there are plans to sell off the group’s franchised pubs.

Marinel FitzSimons 17.08.2010