Greene King is expanding its reach by bringing its popular Hive and Nest pub concepts to Scotland, with plans for the first location to open by April 2025.
A New Chapter for Greene King in Scotland
Greene King, a leading pub operator and brewer, is taking its successful franchised pub concepts, Hive and Nest, to Scotland. The expansion is set to be rolled out by Belhaven Pub Partners, a subsidiary of the brewery.
The first location is expected to open in Scotland by April 2025, marking a significant milestone in Greene King’s growth strategy.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing our franchise pub concepts to Scotland, which is a major step forward for our business,” said Dan Robinson, managing director of Greene King Pub Partners. The move is aimed at replicating the success the company has seen with its 70 franchised pubs across England.
But what exactly are Hive and Nest? Let’s break it down.
Hive: A Blend of Food, Drinks, and Entertainment
Hive is not your average pub. It’s a unique blend of a dining spot and an entertainment hub, offering customers a wide variety of food and drink options alongside live sports.
The concept is designed to appeal to a broad audience, from sports enthusiasts to families looking for a casual dining experience. With its lively atmosphere and diverse menu, Hive has carved out a niche for itself in England.
Hive’s food menu offers classic pub staples along with some creative twists, and the drinks list includes everything from local ales to international options. It’s more than just a place to grab a bite—it’s a destination for entertainment.
One thing that makes Hive stand out is its emphasis on live sports, a feature that Greene King hopes will resonate with Scottish customers, who have a strong affinity for sporting events.
Key Features of Hive Pubs:
- Extensive menu offering food and drinks for all tastes
- Live sports for an engaging, entertaining atmosphere
- A welcoming and social setting for communities and families
Nest: A Simple Concept for the Sporty Crowd
Nest, on the other hand, is targeted at a different demographic. This concept focuses more on being a “wet-led” venue—emphasizing drinks over food—while still offering a streamlined pizza menu. The aim is to attract sports fans who want a casual, no-fuss spot to enjoy their drinks and catch the latest game.
Nest locations are typically situated in busy high streets or vibrant community areas, where they can tap into the foot traffic from nearby shops and businesses. The simplicity of the concept—high-quality drinks and a small but popular food offering—makes it an easy, affordable option for regular visits.
As Greene King prepares to launch Nest in Scotland, the goal is to provide a relaxed environment for customers looking to unwind, grab a quick bite, and watch live sports with friends.
A Franchised Success Story
Greene King’s decision to expand its franchised pub model into Scotland isn’t a surprise. The company has been operating franchised pubs across England for years and has built a strong foundation with its Hive and Nest concepts.
The 70 franchised pubs Greene King currently runs in England have been successful in attracting local communities and sports fans, with each concept tailored to meet specific customer preferences.
Franchising offers Greene King a way to scale its operations without the need for direct ownership of each pub. This model allows the company to grow quickly while benefiting from the entrepreneurial spirit of franchisees who run the day-to-day operations.
With Scotland being a key market for Greene King, the expansion is expected to open the door for more franchise opportunities in the future.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Greene King
The move into Scotland is a bold step for Greene King, and it is anticipated that Hive and Nest will become key players in the Scottish pub scene. As with any business expansion, there will be challenges—adapting to local tastes, competing with established pubs, and ensuring the quality and consistency of the brand.
However, with the backing of Belhaven Pub Partners and a proven business model, Greene King appears well-positioned to succeed in this new market. If the initial locations perform well, there could be opportunities for further growth across Scotland.
How the Expansion Could Impact the Scottish Pub Industry:
- Increased competition for traditional Scottish pubs
- A potential boost to local economies through job creation
- A new dynamic in Scotland’s pub culture, blending entertainment and casual dining
Greene King’s move into Scotland is a testament to the company’s confidence in its franchising model. The Scottish market is about to get a taste of what has worked well in England, and it’s safe to say that many are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Hive and Nest.
