Greene King, a prominent UK pub group, has announced its intention to open 30 new franchise pubs in 2023, following a significant milestone of reaching 100 locations for its Hive and Nest concept. This expansion reflects the company's successful franchise model, which has already seen openings across various parts of the UK, including a rich presence in Scotland under the Belhaven brand.

Looking ahead, Greene King is set to expand its operations into new territories, notably Wales and the Southwest of England, in 2026. This marks the first time the franchise will operate in these regions, further illustrating Greene King's ambitious plans to grow its footprint across the UK. With confirmed locations for the upcoming year like Millwrights in Aylesbury and The Freemasons Arms in Wigan, Greene King is broadening its network of pubs significantly.

The expansion into Wales and the Southwest is part of a strategic move to tap into underserved markets, providing opportunities for franchisees and creating new jobs in the hospitality sector. The franchise format has proven successful, and with recent refurbishments like that of The Tarbet in Edinburgh, Greene King is looking to establish similar success stories across its new locations, thus enhancing community engagement and local economies.