In a significant move for the regional hospitality sector, Hartlepool-based Camerons Brewery has placed four of its northern pubs on the market. This decision follows a comprehensive strategic review of the company's UK portfolio, marking a continued refinement of its operational focus.
Strategic Disposal of Four Key Sites
The brewery, renowned for its Strongarm and Röad Crew beers, has appointed specialist commercial property consultant Christie and Co to handle the sales. The pubs identified for disposal represent a mix of community-focused venues and established brand outlets.
The Properties on the Market
The four sites now available for purchase are:
- The Wheelhouse in Washington – offered with a freehold guide price of £275,000.
- The Mitre in Bishop Auckland, County Durham – available with a freehold guide price of £350,000.
- The Head of Steam in Newcastle city centre – marketed for sale and leaseback with a guide price of £450,000.
- The Head of Steam in Hull – carrying a freehold asking price of £475,000.
John Foots, finance director for Camerons Brewery, explained the rationale behind these decisions. "We have undertaken a strategic overview of the estate and identified these four sites for disposal," he stated. "The Mitre and The Wheelhouse are amongst the last of our community pubs operating under franchise, and it makes sense for us to explore a sale."
Focusing on Core Managed Operations
This move continues a strategic shift that began two years ago when Camerons sold 26 pubs to FB Taverns for £8.25 million. The company is now concentrating its efforts on brewery operations and managed pubs, particularly its successful Head of Steam chain.
Regarding the Hull location, Mr. Foots noted, "The Head of Steam in Hull is a great site but is now somewhat of an outlier when you look across the wider Head of Steam brand, which we are very keen on expanding after our recent success in Manchester."
Retaining a Key Newcastle Presence
Notably, the Head of Steam on Neville Street in Newcastle will continue operating under the brand despite being offered for sale. The company plans a sale and leaseback arrangement for this site, which Mr. Foots described as "one of our oldest sites operating under that brand." He added, "We're massively confident we can continue to trade well and so a sale and leaseback works brilliantly for us."
Market Reception and Broker Confidence
David Cash, regional director for Pubs and Restaurants at Christie and Co, expressed confidence in the market's response to these opportunities. "We have worked with Camerons on a number of sites over the years," he commented, "and in 2025 brokered sales of Sanctuary in Scarborough and The Rattler in South Shields on their behalf. We expect these new opportunities to be well-received in the market."
The strategic review and subsequent property disposals reflect Camerons Brewery's ongoing adaptation to market conditions and its focused approach to growing the Head of Steam brand in key urban locations across the UK.
