Fuller's Taking Over Historic Southfields Pub
Earl Spencer one of ten venues to be acquired by the company
The Earl Spencer on Merton Road
September 10, 2026
Fuller, Smith & Turner (Fuller’s) has made a significant investment in its premium pubs and hotels business with the acquisition of 10 ‘iconic’ pub operations including the Earl Spencer in Southfields.
The previous owner, Stonegate, spent over £200,000 on a refurbishment of the Edwardian building on Merton Road and its beer garden a few years ago.
The dog-friendly pub which is open all day has seen a number of changes of management with the latest installed as recently as last month bringing back cask beers. It was part of Stonegate’s Classic Inns chain.
There are two separate transactions, one with the Stonegate Group and a another with an institutional property investment company, for four freehold and six leasehold properties. As well as the Earl Spencer the acquisition also includes the Blue Anchor by the river in Hammersmith and the Lillie Langtry in Fulham.
It is paying £35.25 million which is about eight times the cash generated annually by the ten pubs. Fuller’s will be funding the purchase through its existing debt facilities.
Contracts have been exchanged and the freehold properties are expected to complete this month. The six leasehold purchases will complete on an asset-by-asset basis as they are subject to landlords’ consent.
Fuller’s Executive Chairman, Simon Emeny, said: “We have always maintained a disciplined policy of only acquiring the right assets at the right price – and they must always be estate enhancing. This transaction certainly meets these criteria, and I’m delighted to welcome well known gems like The Shipwrights Arms in London Bridge, The Duchess next to Selfridges, and The Blue Anchor in Hammersmith to the Fuller’s Family.
“This collection of 10 outstanding pubs, located in geographies where we already have a strong presence and knowledge of the customer, are a perfect complement to our existing estate. They will provide additional momentum to the strong earnings growth being delivered by our core business.”
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