Three UK pubs saved after liquidation – but owner gives 1 big warning | UK | News
Jack McEntee was forced to liquidate a previous firm but his business is now on solid footing (Image: Jack McEntee)
A UK pub group boss has insisted his business is a “story of resilience” after liquidating his previous firm. The Express reported earlier this week that Happy Wolf Pub Company Ltd. had collapsed. Now, Jack McEntee, 34, director of his replacement, The Wolf Cub Collective Ltd., said his operation is on a much safer footing.
The hospitality mogul, originally from Wolverhampton, has been working in the industry since he was a teenager, including spending five years abroad. He managed sites in rural Leicestershire and Warwickshire before setting up his own pub group in 2020 following redundancies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mr McEntee manages three pubs in Warwickshire: The Cherington in Shipston on the Stour, The Peacock in Oxhill and The Yew Tree in Avon Dassett.
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The pub group owns The Peacock in Oxhill, Warwickshire, and other venues. (Image: Wolf Club)
He said: “This is a positive story about the continuation and growth of much-loved country pubs.”
Following a restructuring earlier this year, the business transferred to its new company and all three sites continue to trade under new leases from 1 April 2026.
The director added that the change was “necessary because cash flow was being absorbed by previous mistakes.”
“My business management wasn’t as strong as it is now, so we were hitting lower margins, which combined with stifling and unforgiving tax costs didn’t help.”
Pubs in the UK operate in a challenging environment driven by high operating costs; higher employer national insurance contributions implemented by Chancellor Rachel Reeves; sharp increases in business rates and reduced consumer spending.
“That’s the main reason for the restructuring,” Mr. McEntee said.
“The cost of everything continues to rise despite no support for hospitality. We have the highest VAT rates in Europe and are not recognized as having to pay tax on our sales, but we cannot claim back VAT on our food costs.
“We buy a steak and we don’t claim a refund, but we add some salt and pepper and stick it on the grill and have to pay 20%!
The firm also managed The Yew Tree pub (Image: Wolf Club)
“We can’t keep raising our prices because we’ll lose customers, so we’re stuck between rocks until government support is given.”
The director added: “The restructuring has allowed us to start with much better margins and cost management from the start, heading into our busiest spring and summer months ever, unlocking much stronger potential going forward.”
Liquidators were appointed by members and creditors of Happy Wolf Pub Company Ltd. for a creditors’ voluntary process on March 30, the London Gazette reported, suggesting that the company was insolvent and was voluntarily closed to manage debt repayment.
Mr McEntee said all pubs remained open and “trading strongly” and more than 40 jobs had been retained with no redundancies.
Mr McEntee launches his own pub grub in wake of COVID-19 outbreak (Image: Jack McEntee)
He also added that “all key local suppliers have continued to operate and we have a strong working relationship and “trade is now at its strongest level to date.”
The director said: “The restructuring has allowed us to reset the business financially and put it on a stable footing, ensuring these pubs can continue to thrive in the long term.
“We have also reinvested in venues, including the refurbishment of Yew Tree in Avon Dassett, aligning the venue with the quality of our food and drink services.
“This is ultimately a story of resilience in the hospitality industry, showing that with the right approach, businesses can cope with industry challenges and come back stronger.”
The businessman also highlighted that sister brand WanderBar continues to expand across the Midlands, with new openings and partnerships planned for 2026.
