Posted:05-June-2026
Greene King Opens 30th Nest Pub and First Franchise Pub in Wales
Greene King has opened its first franchise pub in Wales and its 30th Nest Pub overall.
The Clive in Cardiff has re-opened as a Nest Pub after a £350,000 investment by pub owner Greene King Pub Partners.
The Clive becomes the first in a pipeline of openings in Wales that Greene King Pub Partners has planned this year, as Greene King looks to continue the growth of its successful franchise business through its Hive Pubs and Nest Pubs concepts.
Thanks to the £350,000 investment, The Clive has been fully refurbished to deliver the Nest Pubs concept. The transformation includes a complete overhaul of the internal trading areas, with stylish new furniture, refreshed décor and a warm, contemporary finish throughout.
A key feature of the refurbishment is a newly developed sports area, boasting four brand-new dart boards, including two interactive darts lanes.
Likewise, the pub garden has been enhanced through the investment, making it fit for year-round use.
As a Nest Pub, The Clive will offer Sky Sports and TNT Sports, with sport being a key feature of the Nest Pubs concept. Alongside this, the pub will also provide a regular calendar of entertainment ranging from pub quizzes to live music and karaoke.
The Clive will also serve a wide drinks range including low and no options.
Central to the Nest Pubs concept, the pub will also provide a quality pizza offer.
The Clive will be operated by franchisee Nathan Sutton, who is local to Cardiff and has operated several pubs in the city, bringing a strong knowledge of the local pub scene.
Greene King also has plans to open two more pubs in Wales this year, and is actively recruiting those with leased, tenanted or managed pub experience who want a cost-effective and straightforward way to run their own pub business, with enhanced support from Greene King Pub Partners.
A franchisee in Wales can take over their own franchise pub from as little as just £3,000 ingoing cost, which covers agreement fees, induction, and on-site training. Earnings are based on a percentage of food and drink sales, with additional opportunities for profit-sharing and performance-based bonuses.
Nest Pubs are reliable wet-led pubs predominantly located on busy high streets and in communities, providing great value, an excellent experience and regular sport and entertainment along with a simple pizza food offer that is easy for operators to serve.
Hive Pubs, Greene King’s other franchise concept, are welcoming local pubs with a buzz located in the hearts of the communities they serve. They provide a great range of drinks and food for every occasion alongside a regular programme of entertainment and live sport.
Penny Bruce, Operations Director for Greene King Pub Partners, said: “It is wonderful to have our franchise business up and running in Wales for the first time!
“As we continue to grow our franchise business through our Nest Pubs and Hive Pubs concepts, we see the opportunity for more franchise pubs in Wales.
“Hive Pubs and Nest Pubs provide a cost-effective and straightforward way to run your own pub business with a full suite of support from Greene King.
“We are actively searching for franchise Partners in Wales, Scotland and England. Anyone with pub management experience who is interested in running their own pub business should get in touch!”
Nathan Sutton, franchisees of The Clive, said:
“We are so proud to become the first Greene King franchise operators in Wales!
“Thanks to the investment of Greene King, The Clive has been fully renovated and refurbished and we cannot wait to reopen for the local community.
“Greene King’s franchise agreement really helped us break through the barriers we faced to entrepreneurship. The Nest Pubs concept, along with the BDM support and ongoing training, mean we can really thrive in running our own pub business.”
Interested and want to know more about Greene King?
The Greene King profile outlines all aspects of their franchise opportunity and allows you to contact them for further information or to ask a question.
