The Challenge
Zetland Capital focuses on investing in mid-market European special situations across a wide range of sectors with a focus on tangible assets. Its portfolio of pubs is operated by Portobello Starboard, the pub operating company led by industry heavyweight Mark Crowther. With pubs being some of the worst-hit businesses by the pandemic, the firm was in need of a forward looking lender that was still able and willing to support the hospitality sector.
Opportunity & Outcomes
We provided Zetland Capital with a £40M facility to grow its portfolio of high-quality freehold pubs through acquisitions across London and the south of England – starting with five, including three in Brighton. Mark Crowther, Executive Chairman of Portobello Starboard, said: “Given the challenges pubs have faced over the last two years, there aren’t many lenders who would consider supporting the sector at the moment. However, through looking at the portfolio’s past performance, as well as taking a forward-look view of its future potential, OakNorth Bank was able to put together a facility which will keep these pubs thriving and enable us to further expand the portfolio.”