Jennings splashes out on pubs

July 1, 2005: Weeks after being absorbed into the Wolverhampton & Dudley empire, Jennings brewery has paid six-figure sums for two pubs.

The acquisition of the Hare and Hounds, in south Cumbria, and the Brown Cow, near Blackburn, brings the number of hostelries in the firm's portfolio to more than 125.

Wolverhampton and Dudley has said all along that Jennings would be safe in its hands and this deal seems to give credence to that pledge. CAMRA has sought a ten-year commitment to the brewery's future from W & D.