A MAJOR chain behind dozens of prominent Buckinghamshire venues has hit back at claims they could be forced to close as it re-finances its debt.

Last week, the GMB Union issued a warning that more than 750 Stonegate venues across the south east could be at risk as the firm re-finances its debts.

However, the firm is confident that no venues will close.

Stonegate is behind brands including The Elephant And Castle in Amersham, Greyhound Inn, Chalfont St Peter and the George & Dragon in West Wycombe and countless local boozers.

Nadine Houghton, GMB national officer, accused the firm of “playing fast and loose with people’s jobs and lives”.

“When their risky ventures go wrong, they swan off to their next project, leaving workers and communities to pick up the pieces,” she added. “Now, hundreds of much loved pubs across the south east are now in serious danger of pulling their last pint. It’s a disgrace.”

A spokesperson for Stonegate, said: "We are really pleased with the performance of the business in 2023, which included a sector-leading Christmas trading period. We have delivered a rise in revenue and a significant increase in profitability.

"We have been very clear that we continue to work towards achieving our long-term balance sheet goals, with the successful refinancing of a portion of our estate in December marking a significant strategic step towards this. We would also like to assure our employees and partners that no venues are at risk as a result of this process.”

“TDR Capital has been and continues to be a supportive investor in Stonegate - developing the business over the last fourteen years into the UK’s largest pub company with 4,500 great venues across the country.