Huge British pub chain puts 65 venues up for sale in shock shake-up

A British pub business currently operating more than 2,500 outlets across the country is set to put a good portion of its portfolio on sale as part of its recently announced ‘pub estate strategy’.

The UK hospitality sector has unfortunately taken some serious hits of late with the loss of ‘healthy’ fast-food company Leon, London institution Patty&Bun, and the impending closure of all Brewers Fayre and Beefeater sites.

We’ve also seen site-shuttering methods employed by BrewDog and Franco Manca, as well as Coughlands Bakery, with the latter potentially reopening under the name Janes Pantry.

Now, another company has announced plans to shed some of its estate in what is being dubbed ‘Project Portico’—and it’s a UK favourite.

Last week, The Sun reported that the brewery chain Greene King would put 65 pubs up for individual or group sale as part of portfolio changes.

Greene King is selling off some of its estate (Getty Stock Image)

In a statement, the business claimed: “As part of our pub estate strategy announced earlier this year, we identified a number of pubs for potential sale in the medium term.

“As a result, we are reviewing each pub to determine the most appropriate route to market, which may involve an open sales process or a targeted off-market approach.

“In either case, prospective purchasers may seek to acquire individual or multiple sites.”

The outlet reported that the package of pubs is set to include mainly ‘wet-led’ sites across the country, with these institutions focused on selling alcoholic and soft drinks, rather than food.

Greene King has yet to state which pubs are included in Project Portico, announced in March, or whether any sites will close ahead of the potential sale.

At the time of the disposal programme’s reveal, it was said that around 300 pubs were identified as being better suited to different operating models.

Greene King has not said which of its 65 pubs could enter the sale market (Getty Stock Image)

Around half are expected to become leased, tenanted or franchised venues

The company has also confirmed that any cash raised through the sale of its 65 sites will be reinvested into the core estate, the publication reported.

Greene King has already carried out smaller disposals during 2026 ahead of the latest listing, as per the Cateter Licensee.

In April, it appointed Savills to market 13 freehold pubs and hotels, including properties such as Ye Olde Talbot in Worcester, the Cromwell Lodge Hotel in Banbury and the Bear Hotel in Havant.

A further 10 pubs managed by freeholders were brought to market through AG&G in May.

It’s reported that a combined asking price of roughly £9.4 million for eight of the sites and offers invited for the remaining two was staged.