Christie & Co: 22% more pubs and restaurants came to market in the first eight months of 2026

Christie & Co brought 22% more pubs and restaurants to market between January and August than in the same period of 2025, according to its latest Pubs & Restaurants Market Review, reported by Restaurant Online.

It took more than 360 sale instructions and agreed over 230 deals, up 12.5%. Average completion values climbed by about £105,000 on freehold sales and £87,000 on leasehold.

How the deals were structured - Pubs: 79% freehold, 12% leasehold, 9% new leases - Restaurants: 44% new leases, 37% leasehold, 19% freehold

Where demand sits Buyers have been keenest on traditional wet-led locals with proven barrelage and a loyal community trade, and on premium destination pubs with rooms in affluent market towns, coastal and tourist locations. Some pub operators are moving from food-led to wet-led models to cut labour and complexity, leaning on events and live sport. In restaurants, value-led and quick-service formats are beating much of the middle market, while premium dining has been under pressure.

Funding has loosened too: with more challenger and specialist lenders competing, first-time buyers who know the trade and bring a solid plan can raise finance. Managing director Stephen Owens expects demand to stay strongest for "realistically priced" businesses with clear growth potential.

What it means for operators: for groups weighing disposals or acquisitions, the market is more liquid than it has been, but buyers are paying for proven trade. England's 20% rates cut for pubs, clubs and music venues from April 2027 helps the medium-term case.