Bear Grill update

The Lewis Partnership has today announced that from 6th May 2018 The Bear Grill, Stafford will no longer be a member of their restaurant and hotel portfolio.

The Bear Grill joined the Staffordshire based hospitality company in 2003 and saw it transform from a town centre public house in need of a little TLC, into a thriving gourmet burger restaurant and popular family dining destination, so todays announcement that the partnership are letting The Bear go may come as a surprise to many.

The Bear Grill is owned by Marston’s brewery and is currently leased to The Lewis Partnership. The aim of the partnership for the future is to grow their independently owned business portfolio with a focus on destination dining village pubs – similar to their newest property acquisitions The Bank House, Hixon and The Red Lion, Bradley.

Chris Lewis, Managing Partner of the Lewis Partnership said “A break opportunity in the lease agreement of The Bear Grill led us to consider long and hard the portfolio of The Lewis Partnership and our visions for its future growth. We came to the decision, as a family, that letting The Bear go back to Marston’s for re-leasing would enable us to concentrate on the core strengths of the partnership.

We will be saddened to close the doors of The Bear for the last time on Saturday 5th May but we sincerely hope that we have in some way contributed to the history and legacy of this iconic landmark on Stafford’s high street”

#TheBearGrill #BeMoreBear #Stafford #WDYT #ByeByeBear #OverAndOut #EndOfAnEra

This is a better example of lack of confidence is the high st than M&S selling for below price.

Well renowned family and local business in landmark building is not a vote of confidence.

I have no idea if the bear grill makes money or not, could there be a rent increase, maybe a forecast with Coal bar and grill due to start fitting out at Riverside in June could a thought this could impact long term and new lease would not be suitable, maybe as it says on the tin - a business focused decision.

Generally in my experience local businesses are kept if they are making money.

But a major hit for the town.

I don't think it would take long for this site to be leased again, but that area is looking worrying with CC, starbucks, thomson all vacant and soon to be yorkshire bank and bear grill also vacant, this area should be doing better.

Depends when you go in. I have attempted twice in last 6 months and could not get in. Peaks and troughs.

But was it supported enough?

Hopefully something else but a pub but so long as it is in use and decent.