The debt facility will allow Cirrus Inns to purchase the freeholds of the pubs Cross Keys in Chelsea and The Sands End in Fulham as well as the free-of-tie lease of Brown Cow, also in Fulham. 

The purchases will expand Cirrus Inns’ London estate to five pubs with 23 overall. 

The independent pub operator also raised an additional £10m of equity, which went towards the purchases and will be used for future growth.

Alexander Langlands Pearse, chief executive of Cirrus Inns, said it looked at a number of funding options, but felt that Metro Bank was the most attractive.

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“This marks the first time we have brought some senior debt into the company. 

“[Metro Bank has] been incredibly supportive in terms of this acquisition and going forward into chapter two of Cirrus Inns.”

Matthew Walton, head of hospitality and leisure at Metro Bank, added that it was delighted to have supported the transaction.

“The management team behind Cirrus is exceptionally strong and they have built an exciting estate, which these new acquisitions complement very well. 

“We look forward to supporting the future growth of Cirrus with additional facilities over the years to come and maybe even pop in for a pint or two.”

Metro Bank was advised by law firm Howard Kennedy and property consultant Fleurets for the transaction. 

Alexander added: “These are three great pubs run by great people and in amazing locations, which will crown our overall estate. 

“We don’t want to lose the individuality of the pubs, but having five gives us a great platform in the capital that complements the approach we have taken in our pubs across the rest of the country.”