OakNorth lends £20m to help business open 24 new sites

Brasserie Bar Co Ltd operates two businesses: the White Brasserie Company, a pub dining business; and Brasserie Blanc, a French brasserie business.

The White Brasserie Company was established in 2010 and already has 15 restaurants, including four in London and seven in Surrey. 

Brasserie Blanc has 20 sites across the UK and its premium casual dining concept was originally developed by the Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc .

The group will use the finance from OakNorth to open 24 new sites by 2022, taking the total estate to 59 outlets.

Mark Derry, CEO of Brasserie Bar Co Ltd, said: “We have ambitious plans for both brands. 

“Brasserie Blanc is well positioned to capitalise on the increased interest and footfall resulting from the refurbishment of the estate and the White Brasserie pubs have gone from three to 14 in the last four years with a menu, service ethos and ambience that is really hitting the mark with guests.”

“OakNorth was able to provide us with the right financing structure and flexibility to support our mid-term roll out strategy. 

“With this new finance in place, we will be able to open 24 new sites in the next five years, growing our team and presence in the market.”

Ben Barbanel, head of debt finance at OakNorth Bank (pictured above), added: “Since our launch, we have been focused on one thing: solving the problem of scaling non-standard lending in the UK, backing quality management teams in the process. 

“Brasserie Bar Co is an ambitious and entrepreneurial business, which – despite uncertain market conditions – has continued to expand every year since inception, even during the recession. 

“The business is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, yet has managed to stay fresh in an increasingly competitive market by expanding its offering in to new formats and settings, and rebranding at the opportune time.”