Greene King Pub Partners reopens The Sportsman in Reading following £250,000 investment and new chef partnership

Greene King Pub Partners has reopened The Sportsman in Reading following a £250,000 transformation, bringing its Nest Pubs franchise concept to the local community alongside an exciting new food offering.

The pub has joined Greene King Pub Partners’ growing Nest Pubs franchise estate and will be operated by franchisee Katie Heath, who brings more than five years of experience running pubs in the area.

The six-figure investment has transformed The Sportsman inside and out, creating a fresh, modern and welcoming space for the local community to enjoy.

As part of the refurbishment, the pub's outdoor trading areas have been significantly enhanced, including the installation of a new covered pergola to provide all-weather seating. The existing patio and beer garden have also been upgraded, giving customers more opportunities to enjoy the pub throughout the year.

Inside, the refurbishment has focused on enhancing the pub's sports and social spaces, creating an inviting environment for customers to enjoy live sport, entertainment and community events.

Adding to the pub's new offering is a unique kitchen residency from experienced chef Jonas Lodge, who is bringing his Clucking Crispy Chicken concept to The Sportsman.

With more than 24 years of experience working in kitchens across Europe, Jonas has built an extensive culinary career and also works as Development Chef for Tom Kerridge.

Following the closure of his restaurant, Jonas at GL50, in 2023, he moved into the food truck and festival scene before developing Clucking Crispy Chicken, his own fried chicken and sauce concept.

The new menu at The Sportsman will feature a selection of crispy chicken wings, chicken burgers, sides and signature sauces, providing a distinctive food offer that complements the pub's drinks-led, sports and entertainment focus.

Katie Heath, franchisee of The Sportsman, said:

“I'm so excited to open the doors of the new-look Sportsman. The pub is looking great, including the new outdoor space that can be used year-round.

“I've got some exciting plans for the pub, including starting a regular schedule of events, ensuring we've got something for everyone.

“My team and I are ready to open our doors and serve our community with a warm welcome, a fresh pint and some delicious fried chicken.”

Penny Bruce, Franchise Operations Director for Greene King Pub Partners, said:

“It is great to see The Sportsman reopen as a Nest Pub following our £250,000 transformative investment.

“The partnership with Jonas and Clucking Crispy Chicken for this particular Nest Pub is especially exciting. The Clucking Crispy Chicken menu perfectly complements a Nest Pub – fried chicken is a great accompaniment to your drink while watching a match or catching up with your friends, family and community.

“We're proud to continue to invest in our pubs to ensure they stay at the heart of their communities.

“The Sportsman's new look is fresh, modern and welcoming, with Katie at the centre of it all to take the pub on a journey of success.”

Nest Pubs is one of two franchise concepts operated by Greene King Pub Partners, alongside Hive Pubs. The Nest Pubs model focuses on creating welcoming, drinks-led community pubs, combining live sport, entertainment and a simplified food offer.

The reopening of The Sportsman reflects Greene King Pub Partners' continued commitment to investing in its pub estate, supporting franchise entrepreneurs and creating thriving pubs at the heart of local communities.

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