Lapen Inns looks to grow selectively after White Horse Inn acquisition
Lapen Inns, which runs pubs across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Norfolk and Buckinghamshire, says growth will be selective, based on sites that fit its model. Aman Shrestha, of Lapen Inns, says the group is open to suitable opportunities but will assess each site on its own terms, seeking a clear fit between the community, the pub and what the group can bring. The operator took on the White Horse Inn after its Grade II listed village pub closed in March, with plans to retain its village-local identity while developing its food and hospitality offer. The estate began with the Railway in Whittlesey in 2021 and has since added the Bell in Sawtry, the Old Crown in Girton, the Corner House in Cambridge and Old School House in Stony Stratford. Shrestha said the aim is to keep each pub’s identity while applying a consistent approach to food, service and operations, so customers feel they are visiting their local with its history and community. Nepalese dishes remain a feature alongside traditional pub fare. Investment is decided site by site, with priorities including kitchens, building condition, gardens and spaces for customers. The Queen Elizabeth in King’s Lynn benefited from a £100,000 refurbishment by Star Pubs when the lease was taken. The group has refreshed its digital infrastructure, including a new website and booking, feedback and loyalty platforms, to improve convenience and the customer experience. Expansion will be guided by what the existing estate and management team can support, at a pace the business can sustain. Source: The Morning Advertiser
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