July 20, 2026 - 218 views
A company which operates several pubs across Conwy County is being investigated by the industry regulator amid concerns it may not have treated its tenants fairly.
Stonegate Group, the UK’s largest pub company, owns more than 3,000 venues nationwide, including Ye Old Mail Coach in Conwy, Cross Keys Hotel and The Carlton in Llandudno, and Pen Y Bryn in Llanrwst.
The Pubs Code Adjudicator has launched a statutory investigation into Stonegate, saying there are “reasonable grounds” to suspect the company may have failed to provide “accurate and transparent information” to existing and prospective tied pub tenants.
The investigation will examine Stonegate’s conduct between July 2021 and July 2026 and will look at whether the company has met its responsibilities under the Pubs Code, which was introduced in 2016 to ensure fair treatment for tied pub tenants.
Pubs Code Adjudicator Fiona Dickie said the investigation followed concerns raised through the regulator’s 2026 Tied Tenant Survey.
She said: “The results identified concerns and issues relating to the satisfaction of tenants of Stonegate in their tied relationship, which has been the lowest of the regulated pub-owning businesses for at least the last three years.
“Particular tenant concerns relate to repairs to the pub premises.”
The regulator is now asking current and former Stonegate tenants, as well as other interested parties, to provide information that could assist with the investigation.
The Pubs Code Adjudicator says anyone who provides evidence will not be identified in the final report without their consent.
The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Wednesday, August 12.
Ms Dickie added: “This will help us to determine whether the Pubs Code has been broken and, if so, the impact on tenants and what further action should be taken.”
Stonegate Group said it was committed to complying with the Pubs Code and ensuring publicans are treated fairly.
A spokesperson said: “Stonegate has communicated at length with the Pubs Code Adjudicator over the two specific cases that form the basis of this investigation, and we will cooperate fully throughout.
“We remain committed to working fairly and transparently with our publicans and to building strong, successful partnerships.”
