The number of applications to run a pub with Greene King are up more than a quarter (26%) year-on-year in the first half of 2026, which represents a record six months of demand for the brewery and pub operator.

According to the business, London and the South East, and the North West and Yorkshire, are some of the most sought-after regions among prospective pub operators

52% of applicants applied to run their first pub, Green King said, highlighting demand for opportunities offering entrepreneurial freedom and backing from an established pub company

During the first six months of 2026, the business received 1,449 applications, which is a 26% increase compared with the same period in 2025 and a record number of applications.

With occupancy rates at 97% and an average tenure of over eight years, only a handful of Greene King pubs are on the market to run at one time, with 26 applications for each pub available to let in the first half of 2026.

According to their findings, the majority of Greene King’s pubs available during the period were in Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Oxfordshire.

Although further Greene King data demonstrated that demand is widespread across the country, with almost a quarter (23%) of applicants looking for opportunities in London and the South East and a further 22% seeking pubs in the North West and Yorkshire.

More than 10% expressed interested in Wales and the South West.

Dan Robinson, managing director of Greene King Pub Partners, said: “It’s incredibly encouraging to see record numbers of people wanting to run their own pubs in partnership with Greene King – demonstrating continued appeal and trust in the partnership pub model.

“Running a pub is an incredibly rewarding opportunity, especially for those looking to build their own business whilst also playing a vital role in their community. We’re fully committed to giving our partners the support, investment and expertise they need to succeed, so they can thrive in their local communities.”