The managing director of a Brighton and Hove pub business is to leave at the end of the month, the Morning Advertiser reported today (Thursday 5 February).
Russell Danks, 44, has resigned as the managing director of Laine, which owns more than 40 pubs in all, with more than 30 of those in its Brighton and Hove heartland.
The Laine Pub Co was bought in May 2018 by Punch, ultimately owned by Cayman Islands registered CF Cooper Holdings LP, in a deal valuing the Brighton business at about £40 million.
Laine’s founder Gavin George, 60, stayed on after the deal. But when he stepped down, nearly 18 months ago, he handed over to Mr Danks who joined Punch in October 2018.
Now, Mr Danks is due to join Pure Gym, the health and fitness operator which is by former Punch Pubs chief executive Clive Chesser. The pair also worked together at brewer and pub company Greene King.
The Morning Advertiser said that during Mr Danks’s tenure, “the company has gone on to be named Best Partnership Pub Company and Best Late Night Operator in the Publican Awards 2025”.
In that time, Laine has also expanded out of the south east – notably Brighton and London – and has opened pubs in Birmingham and Norwich.
The Morning Advertiser quoted Andy Spencer, chief executive of Punch Pubs and Co, as saying: “Russ has been an enormous part of Punch’s journey over the past seven years.
“His creativity, energy and ability to bring people together have helped shape who we are today.”
He praised Mr Danks for his “passion and purpose” while at the helm of Laine, adding: “Russ leaves a legacy that will be felt across the business for years to come.
“His leadership during the covid period in particular, ensuring our people were informed, connected and supported through constant change, was truly outstanding.
“We are incredibly grateful for everything Russ has brought to Punch and we wish him every success in his next chapter. He leaves with our thanks, our respect and our very best wishes for the future.”
Sam Barnard, the head of strategy and finance at Laine, is due to take over as interim managing director while the company looks for a permanent successor.
Mr Barnard, a chartered accountant, joined Laine nine years ago, in February 2017, initially as group financial controller before becoming head of finance, then head of strategy and finance.
Laine’s portfolio in Brighton includes the Fortune of War, on the seafront, the Fiddler’s Elbow, in Boyces Street, the Hope and Ruin, in Queen’s Road, as well as the Kemp, formerly the Thomas Kemp, and the Sidewinder, both in Kemp Town.
In Hove, the portfolio includes the Exchange, the Freemasons, the Ancient Mariner and the Old Albion.
Other venues include the North Laine Brewhouse, formerly the Gloucester night club, as well as the Open House and the Signalman either side of London Road railway station.
Laine has an annual turnover of almost £50 million and, in its most recent financial year, the company’s pre-tax profit totalled £3.3 million.
Who cares!
In a city Brighton of so much choice of amazing beers and independent pubs , Laine is by far the most expensive and rubbish tasting.
The fact it’s now owned by greedy private equity just underscores it’s intent.
I’ve worked in private equity as a director (property) and vouch for their total lack of interest for the product or the consumer.