Pub operator and brewer Greene King plans to extend its franchised pub concepts, Hive and Nest, to Scotland.  

The rollout will be undertaken by Belhaven Pub Partners, with the first Scottish location expected to open by April 2025.  

Hive provides a range of food items and drinks, and entertainment including live sports. 

Nest targets sports fans with a “wet-led” [drinks] concept and a simple pizza menu, mostly located in busy high streets and communities.  

The company operates 70 franchised pubs across England and is looking to replicate this success in Scotland.  

Greene King Pub Partners managing director Dan Robinson stated: “We’re thrilled to be bringing our franchise pub concepts to Scotland, which is a major step forward for our business. 

“Our aim is to support our franchisees every step of the way as they build thriving pubs at the heart of their local communities, and we look forward to working with talented operators in Scotland to achieve this.” 

Prospective franchisees can assume control of a franchise pub in Scotland with an initial investment of only £3,000 ($3775.32), with earnings based on a percentage of food and drink sales. 

The initial cost encompasses the fees for the franchise agreement, along with expenses for induction and training at the location. 

Belhaven Pub Partners business development manager Alasdair Lindsay stated: “This is a really exciting time as we introduce our franchise pub concepts into Scotland. 

"We have a pipeline of pub openings and I am actively looking for any prospective franchisees who are keen to run their own pub business with a full suite of support from Belhaven Pub Partners.” 

Greene King earlier expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of The Dirty Bottles, a pub in Alnwick, Northumberland in January 2025.   

The Dirty Bottles, which was acquired for a seven-figure sum, was originally built in the 1660s.