Downing sells Mountain Pub Company to Admiral Taverns

28/10/26
2 min
Private Equity
News

Admiral Taverns, the UK’s leading community pub company is pleased to announce the acquisition of community pub operator Mountain Pub Company from specialist investment manager, Downing. Led by Helen Standing, Mountain Pubs operates a portfolio of 10 high quality, wet-led, operator managed community pubs, which sit at the heart of several local communities across the North of England. Pubs include The Southport Coaster (Southport) and The White Hart (Todmorden).

Upon completion of the acquisition, the Mountain Pubs portfolio will sit as part of Admiral Taverns’ Proper Pubs business, led by Nathan Wall. Proper Pubs is the award-winning community wet-led operator division of Admiral Taverns, which operates 245 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales. The acquisition marks the latest step forward in Admiral Taverns’ strategy to expand its nationwide footprint and cement its position as the UK’s leading community pub group. Backed by investors Proprium Capital Partners, the Group has a strong track record of profitable growth, with continuous and significant Capital Investment across its estateunderpinning its focus on supporting entrepreneurial licensees and operators to run sustainable pub businesses.

Commenting, Chris Jowsey, Chief Executive of Admiral Taverns said:

“On behalf of the entire team at Admiral Taverns I am delighted to welcome the Mountain Pub Company to Admiral Taverns. We have long admired the Mountain Pubs business and share the same unwavering passion for supporting community pubs across the country. The Mountain Pub portfolio will sit as part of our Proper Pubs business, strengthening our footprint of affordable community pubs across the UK, offering everything from a great range of beers, welcoming atmosphere, sport and entertainment, the critical DNA that makes for a great local pub experience.”

Commenting, Helen Standing, CEO of Mountain Pubs said:

“Mountain Pub Company launched with The Southport Coaster in November 2022, founded on an ambition to create high quality, well-invested community pubs, growing to 10 pubs over two years. Mountain’s operating partner model combines local entrepreneurship with clear operating standards, commercial discipline and central support, allowing each pub to develop its own identity and community offer. It has been a pleasure to work alongside Downing throughout Mountain’s growth journey. Their support and background of investment in the sector has been instrumental in helping us build a strong and successful pub business. We are pleased that Admiral Tavern’s experienced operator managed team will continue to invest in and grow Mountain."

Find out more information about Downing's award-winning Private Equity.

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Admiral Taverns, the UK’s leading community pub company is pleased to announce the acquisition of community pub operator Mountain Pub Company from specialist investment manager, Downing. Led by Helen Standing, Mountain Pubs operates a portfolio of 10 high quality, wet-led, operator managed community pubs, which sit at the heart of several local communities across the North of England. Pubs include The Southport Coaster (Southport) and The White Hart (Todmorden).

Upon completion of the acquisition, the Mountain Pubs portfolio will sit as part of Admiral Taverns’ Proper Pubs business, led by Nathan Wall. Proper Pubs is the award-winning community wet-led operator division of Admiral Taverns, which operates 245 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales. The acquisition marks the latest step forward in Admiral Taverns’ strategy to expand its nationwide footprint and cement its position as the UK’s leading community pub group. Backed by investors Proprium Capital Partners, the Group has a strong track record of profitable growth, with continuous and significant Capital Investment across its estateunderpinning its focus on supporting entrepreneurial licensees and operators to run sustainable pub businesses.

Commenting, Chris Jowsey, Chief Executive of Admiral Taverns said:

“On behalf of the entire team at Admiral Taverns I am delighted to welcome the Mountain Pub Company to Admiral Taverns. We have long admired the Mountain Pubs business and share the same unwavering passion for supporting community pubs across the country. The Mountain Pub portfolio will sit as part of our Proper Pubs business, strengthening our footprint of affordable community pubs across the UK, offering everything from a great range of beers, welcoming atmosphere, sport and entertainment, the critical DNA that makes for a great local pub experience.”

Commenting, Helen Standing, CEO of Mountain Pubs said:

“Mountain Pub Company launched with The Southport Coaster in November 2022, founded on an ambition to create high quality, well-invested community pubs, growing to 10 pubs over two years. Mountain’s operating partner model combines local entrepreneurship with clear operating standards, commercial discipline and central support, allowing each pub to develop its own identity and community offer. It has been a pleasure to work alongside Downing throughout Mountain’s growth journey. Their support and background of investment in the sector has been instrumental in helping us build a strong and successful pub business. We are pleased that Admiral Tavern’s experienced operator managed team will continue to invest in and grow Mountain."

Find out more information about Downing's award-winning Private Equity.

We are delighted to announce that Mark Gross, Partner and Head of Development Capital, has been named Equity Investor of the year at the HealthInvestor Power List 2024 Awards.

Following Mark’s achievement last year when he won the “Leading Investor” award at HealthInvestor’s Power50, this year’s win further highlights his continued success and expertise in investing across the healthcare sector. 

The judges praised Mark for finding success both in value and volume this year, delivering good returns and growth. They were impressed by how Mark has continued to strengthen a strong track record with further growth in the team and new funds securing further backing. We extend our thanks to Mark and the Downing Development Capital team for their continued dedication and support in expanding our healthcare investment activities with a focus on quality, performance and reputation. 

Congratulations Mark!

Development Capital  

Downing Development Capital is an award-winning investor focused on investment opportunities into asset-backed operating businesses with downside protection. Typical sectors they invest in include healthcare, specialist education, hospitality, leisure and IT infrastructure.

Learn more about our Development Capital team

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Admiral Taverns, the UK’s leading community pub company is pleased to announce the acquisition of community pub operator Mountain Pub Company from specialist investment manager, Downing. Led by Helen Standing, Mountain Pubs operates a portfolio of 10 high quality, wet-led, operator managed community pubs, which sit at the heart of several local communities across the North of England. Pubs include The Southport Coaster (Southport) and The White Hart (Todmorden).

Upon completion of the acquisition, the Mountain Pubs portfolio will sit as part of Admiral Taverns’ Proper Pubs business, led by Nathan Wall. Proper Pubs is the award-winning community wet-led operator division of Admiral Taverns, which operates 245 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales. The acquisition marks the latest step forward in Admiral Taverns’ strategy to expand its nationwide footprint and cement its position as the UK’s leading community pub group. Backed by investors Proprium Capital Partners, the Group has a strong track record of profitable growth, with continuous and significant Capital Investment across its estateunderpinning its focus on supporting entrepreneurial licensees and operators to run sustainable pub businesses.

Commenting, Chris Jowsey, Chief Executive of Admiral Taverns said:

“On behalf of the entire team at Admiral Taverns I am delighted to welcome the Mountain Pub Company to Admiral Taverns. We have long admired the Mountain Pubs business and share the same unwavering passion for supporting community pubs across the country. The Mountain Pub portfolio will sit as part of our Proper Pubs business, strengthening our footprint of affordable community pubs across the UK, offering everything from a great range of beers, welcoming atmosphere, sport and entertainment, the critical DNA that makes for a great local pub experience.”

Commenting, Helen Standing, CEO of Mountain Pubs said:

“Mountain Pub Company launched with The Southport Coaster in November 2022, founded on an ambition to create high quality, well-invested community pubs, growing to 10 pubs over two years. Mountain’s operating partner model combines local entrepreneurship with clear operating standards, commercial discipline and central support, allowing each pub to develop its own identity and community offer. It has been a pleasure to work alongside Downing throughout Mountain’s growth journey. Their support and background of investment in the sector has been instrumental in helping us build a strong and successful pub business. We are pleased that Admiral Tavern’s experienced operator managed team will continue to invest in and grow Mountain."

Find out more information about Downing's award-winning Private Equity.

Downing sells Mountain Pub Company to Admiral Taverns
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Torsten Mack, Investment Director at Downing, said:

"We are proud to support this exceptional management team, whose strong track record positions them well to build a new business in dementia care. This needs-based sector is underpinned by a lack of quality supply and we are investing in Fortava Healthcare to set and deliver high standards, and to help make a difference."

Johann van Zyl, CEO at Fortava, added:

"I’m thrilled to be working with Jamie, as we share the same values. We plan to grow Fortava into a leading provider of dementia care over the next five to seven years. But growth isn’t our primary focus—our goal is to deliver outstanding care and foster a joyful, supportive environment for both residents and staff. We’re delighted to be partnering with Downing who also share our values and we look forward to this journey with them."

Jamie Stuart, CFO at Fortava, commented:

“For me, it's about being more than just another care home provider. While dementia care in the UK is generally of a good standard, we want to set ourselves apart with a fresh approach. That’s why, after over 25 years in banking, I chose to partner with Johann and Downing on this venture.”

‍

Admiral Taverns, the UK’s leading community pub company is pleased to announce the acquisition of community pub operator Mountain Pub Company from specialist investment manager, Downing. Led by Helen Standing, Mountain Pubs operates a portfolio of 10 high quality, wet-led, operator managed community pubs, which sit at the heart of several local communities across the North of England. Pubs include The Southport Coaster (Southport) and The White Hart (Todmorden).

Upon completion of the acquisition, the Mountain Pubs portfolio will sit as part of Admiral Taverns’ Proper Pubs business, led by Nathan Wall. Proper Pubs is the award-winning community wet-led operator division of Admiral Taverns, which operates 245 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales. The acquisition marks the latest step forward in Admiral Taverns’ strategy to expand its nationwide footprint and cement its position as the UK’s leading community pub group. Backed by investors Proprium Capital Partners, the Group has a strong track record of profitable growth, with continuous and significant Capital Investment across its estateunderpinning its focus on supporting entrepreneurial licensees and operators to run sustainable pub businesses.

Commenting, Chris Jowsey, Chief Executive of Admiral Taverns said:

“On behalf of the entire team at Admiral Taverns I am delighted to welcome the Mountain Pub Company to Admiral Taverns. We have long admired the Mountain Pubs business and share the same unwavering passion for supporting community pubs across the country. The Mountain Pub portfolio will sit as part of our Proper Pubs business, strengthening our footprint of affordable community pubs across the UK, offering everything from a great range of beers, welcoming atmosphere, sport and entertainment, the critical DNA that makes for a great local pub experience.”

Commenting, Helen Standing, CEO of Mountain Pubs said:

“Mountain Pub Company launched with The Southport Coaster in November 2022, founded on an ambition to create high quality, well-invested community pubs, growing to 10 pubs over two years. Mountain’s operating partner model combines local entrepreneurship with clear operating standards, commercial discipline and central support, allowing each pub to develop its own identity and community offer. It has been a pleasure to work alongside Downing throughout Mountain’s growth journey. Their support and background of investment in the sector has been instrumental in helping us build a strong and successful pub business. We are pleased that Admiral Tavern’s experienced operator managed team will continue to invest in and grow Mountain."

Find out more information about Downing's award-winning Private Equity.

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