Cumbrian Brewers Fayre Restaurant Saved in £Deal

A Cumbrian Brewers Fayre restaurant has been given a reprieve after being included in a major deal involving the sale of 53 venues by owner Whitbread.

The Brewers Fayre at the Howgate, near Whitehaven, is among the restaurants being sold to Queensway Inns, which plans to transform the venues into value-focused pubs.

The deal comes as Whitbread prepares to close its remaining Brewers Fayre and Beefeater restaurants as part of a major restructuring of its business.

Whitbread has confirmed that 89 Brewers Fayre restaurants will close after dinner service on September 7, while 106 Beefeater sites will shut on September 10. The company plans to replace the two restaurant brands with restaurants located inside Premier Inn hotels, which it says will provide a more efficient and popular offer for guests.

The closures form part of a five-year strategy designed to save around £250 million. The restructuring is expected to affect approximately 3,800 jobs across the UK and Ireland, although staff at the 53 venues being sold to Queensway Inns will transfer to the new operator.

Other Brewers Fayre restaurants in Cumbria, including sites in Carlisle, Cockermouth and Barrow, have not been included in the sale and remain affected by Whitbread's wider plans.

Carlisle's Lakeland Gate Brewers Fayre is currently being marketed for £500,000 as a going concern. The property includes a 175 cover restaurant, a 20 cover bar and an indoor children's play area capable of accommodating around 45 youngsters.

The latest deal means the Howgate restaurant near Whitehaven will have an opportunity to continue operating under new ownership, although its future will involve a change from the Brewers Fayre brand to a new value-pub format.

Got a news story or tip to share? Contact our editorial team by emailing news@lakelandpost.co.uk or call us directly on 0333 090 2080.