Greene King Pub Partners, the leased, tenanted and franchise arm of Greene King, has achieved a milestone in its franchise operations by inaugurating its 20th franchise establishment of 2025, the Kingfisher, located in Newport Pagnell, UK.

The location has undergone a refurbishment, transforming it into a "hive pub" - one of the company's two franchise concepts.

Hive pubs are community hubs, offering a mix of dining and live sports.

The opening underscores the growth of Greene King's franchise business model, which has been gaining traction since the introduction of hive pubs in 2021.

Its expansion strategy involves additional sites now set for opening.

Franchisees joining Greene King's network receive a comprehensive support package, including a significant refurbishment investment to ensure the establishment embodies either the hive or "nest" pub concept.

Nest pubs are drinks-led venues located in busy areas and within communities, offering great value and experience, and regular sports and entertainment.

Greene King Pub Partners managing director Dan Robinson stated: “Opening our 20th franchise pub of 2025 is another strong signal of the success and scaleability of our franchise model. We’re continuing to see high demand from people with pub and hospitality experience who want to run their own pub business with the backing and support of Greene King.

“There is still more growth to come with our franchise operations, while we also maintain our core leased and tenanted business and help our partners to grow.”

In a move to bolster its sustainability commitments, Greene King announced in August 2025 its plan to phase out airfreighted fresh produce from its menus.

This initiative is part of a broader environmental strategy that includes the company's pledge to source 100% of its electricity from renewable resources, aligning with the RE100 global initiative.

In early 2025, Greene King acquired the Dirty Bottles pub in Alnwick, Northumberland, a venue dating back to the 1660s.