What are the best pub tenancies?

People who run pubs have revealed how they feel about their tenancies in a new survey led by the Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA).

The data, gathered by the PCA in this year’s Annual Tied Tenants Survey, highlighted tenant sentiment towards, and their relationships with, the UK’s big six tied pub companies: Admiral, Greene King, Marston’s, Punch, Star Pubs & Bars, and Stonegate.

The survey gathered the opinions of 1,203 tied pub tenants, who were interviewed about their views on a range of topics and the findings revealed that 63% were satisfied with their tenant relationship, whilst 21% were dissatisfied.

Overall, pub company satisfaction has “remained stable except for pub chain Star, which has improved tenant satisfaction by 9 points since 2023” the research revealed.

Marston’s, Admiral and Greene King had the highest overall satisfaction at 79%, 78% and 77% respectively, whereas Stonegate tenants were the least satisfied at 47%.

Feelings of satisfaction ranged from good communication and the relationship with the business development manager or area manager, listening and responding to issues quickly, providing information, being fair and transparent, giving freedom and being supportive during the cost-of-living crisis.

Issues that were flagged causing dissatisfaction comparatively included lack of support or a one-sided relationship, little to no contact with the business development manager, slow repairs or disputes with repairs and dilapidations schedules, issues with deliveries and a lack of transparency and communication around changes.

Describing the findings from the survey, Fiona Dickie, the Pubs Code Adjudicator, who enforces the Pubs Code, said: “The highest overall satisfaction results from Marston’s, Admiral and Greene King set a standard pub companies should be seeking to attain and exceed. The results give valuable information for the industry, and this annual survey seeks to drive improvements across the board.”

The PCA provides tenants with ways to ensure transparency in their business relationship with their pub company to ensure that all parties have adequate support and the requisite information they need.