London, United Kingdom, 11 November 2021 – Portobello Starboard, an acquisition platform backed by private equity firm Zetland Capital and operated by Portobello Brewery, is delighted to announce the acquisition of 12 high quality freehold pubs, located across the London villages and suburbs.
The pubs have been acquired from various entities, backed by funds managed by investment manager Downing LLP. Portobello Brewery, the pub operating company, led by industry heavyweight Mark Crowther, has been managing the sites for the past year. Zetland Capital is providing equity funding for the acquisition and will provide further financial support, as the business looks to grow through acquisitions across London and the south of England.
The sites include the flagship Westow House in Crystal Palace, which has recently added 22 en‐suite bedrooms, along with other locations including Forest Gate, Peckham, New Cross, Sutton and Brixton.
Mark Crowther, Executive Chairman of Portobello Brewery, commented:
“We are delighted to have completed this acquisition and to partner with Zetland Capital. Zetland’s backing will enable us to invest in these great pubs and our fantastic teams, supporting the recovery and to acquire further pubs in the South of England.”
Ahmed Hamdani, Managing Partner at Zetland, commented:
“We are excited to have made this acquisition of a high quality and well-located portfolio of pubs. We are partnering with a highly experienced team, led by Mark, and will back them, with substantial investment, to grow Portobello into one of the leading pub businesses in Southern England.”
