Bath-based law firm Stone King is helping Wadworth expand into London as part of the Wiltshire brewery’s ambitious growth strategy.
Stone King’s commercial team is advising Wadworth on all licensed property deals including a lease assignment for the Kings Arms in Fulham, which the brewery has just acquired from Greene King.
The new-look Kings Arms, which has undergone a £300,000 refurbishment, is Wadworth’s first pub in London and marks the start of its strategic expansion into the capital and Home Counties.
Wadworth currently operates about 220 pubs, mainly in the South West of England, and its beers include the flagship bitter 6X.
As well as dealing with the disposal and acquisition of all licensed freehold and leasehold properties in the brewery estate, Stone King also advises Wadworth on associated intellectual property and employment-related issues.
Sarah Lane, who heads Stone King’s business property team, said: “We are delighted to represent Wadworth across its property portfolios at this exciting time in the brewery’s history.
“We have considerable experience advising the licensed sector on a range of property-related matters including buying, selling and refinancing arrangements, as well as advice on occupational, letting and management agreements.
“We look forward to continuing our work with Wadworth CEO Chris Welham and his newly-assembled executive team, helping them acquire top-end pubs to add to their growing estate.”
