Star to double Scottish managed estate

Star Pubs & Bars is to double the size of its Scottish managed estate through its Just Add Talent (JAT) business.

The company currently has six JAT pubs in Scotland. Subject to recruiting new operators, it will create a further seven managed operator sites during 2022.

The Horse & Barge at Clydebank and The Keg at Inverness will be the first two pubs to move to the JAT model this year. The Horse & Barge is scheduled to convert in March, with The Keg changing to JAT later in the spring.

While the managed pub model is widespread in England and Wales, it is still relatively uncommon in Scotland. Star believes rolling out the model will provide a cheaper and lower risk option for those looking to get their first pub.

The Heineken-owned pub group says JAT is a low risk, low cost, turnover and profit share model. The ingoing cost for the operator is £4,000.

Under the JAT agreement, operators run the business, funding theirs and their staff’s costs. Star Pubs & Bars pays for all other expenses including utilities, rates, food, drinks and repairs. The revenue and profit are shared between both parties with no limit on an operator's earnings.

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