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The City Pub Group plc

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FY2020 Annual Report · The City Pub Group plc
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Annual Report & Accounts 2020

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contents

Strategic report
01  Company highlights
02  At a glance 
04  Chairman’s statement 
08  Our business model
09  Our key strengths
11  Our strategy
12  Our relationships
14  Corporate social responsibility / ESG
18  Business review
19  Directors’ duties – Section 172 Statement
20  Principal risks and uncertainties

Corporate governance
25  Board of Directors
27  Corporate governance report 
31  Directors’ report 

Financial statements
33 
37 

 Independent auditor’s report 
 Consolidated statement  
of  comprehensive income 
 Consolidated statement  
of financial position 
 Company statement  
of financial position 
 Consolidated statement  
of changes in equity 
 Company statement  
of changes in equity
 Consolidated statement  
of cash flows
 Company statement  
of cash flows
 Notes to the financial statements
 Directors, officers and  
Company information

38 

39 

40 

41 

42 

43 

44 
75 

About the Group
The City Pub Company (East) PLC (“CPCE”) and The City Pub 
Company (West) PLC (“CPCW”) were founded by Clive Watson, 
David Bruce and John Roberts, who joined the board in 
December 2011. 

On 1 November 2017, The City Pub Group plc (as consolidated 
“the Group”) was formed through the all share merger of CPCE 
and CPCW by way of a scheme of arrangement of CPCW, as 
further described in the Group’s Admission Document for the IPO 
that the Group completed in November 2017, when the shares 
were admitted to trading on AIM. As such the results of the Group 
are presented as if the Group always existed. At the same time, 
CPCE changed its name to The City Pub Group plc.

The City Pub Group owns and operates an estate of premium 
pubs across southern England and Wales. The Group’s pub estate 
comprises 45 trading predominately free houses located largely 
in London, Cathedral cities and market towns, each of which is 
focused on appealing specifically to its local market. The Group’s 
portfolio consists of predominantly freehold, managed pubs, 
offering a wide range of high quality drinks and food tailored to 
each of its pubs’ customers.

The City Pub Group leverages its sector contacts and experience 
to ensure it is well placed to acquire, and to have opportunities to 
consider the acquisition of, either freehold or leasehold pubs. 
Following acquisition, it aims to improve profitability through 
targeted investment in each pub, incentivisation of its key 
employees, introducing its flexible retail strategy, dedicated 
marketing and utilising its centralised buying power.

The Directors have considerable experience of acquiring pubs, 
expanding pub portfolios and creating premium pub companies. 
This includes leading the Capital Pub Company from start up 
through to flotation on AIM and its subsequent acquisition by 
Greene King for £93 million.

  Go online to find out more 
www.citypubcompany.com

01

Company highlights

FINANCIAL

Adjusted EBITDA (£m)

OPERATIONAL

Revenue down 57% to

£25.8m 

(2019: £60.0 million)

Adjusted EBITDA* of

£(0.8)m

(2019: £9.1 million)

Adjusted profit/(loss) before tax** of

£(5.1)m

(2019: £5.3 million)

Reported profit/(loss) of 

£(6.5)m

(2019: £1.3 million)

2020

(0.8)

2019

2018

2017

2016

Revenue (£m)

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

4.1

25.8

27.8

63%

Land  
ownership

37%

9.1

7.9

6.1

Freehold

Leasehold

60.0

Number of 
trading sites 
expected 

post COVID-19 45

47.5

37.4

Throughout the Annual Report we use a range 
of financial and non-financial measures to 
assess our performance. A number of the 
financial measures, including Adjusted Profit 
before tax and Adjusted EBITDA are not 
defined under IFRS, so they are termed 
“Alternative Performance Measures” (APMs). 
Management use these measures to monitor 
the Group’s financial performance alongside 
IFRS measures because they help illustrate 
the underlying performance of the Group.

*  Pre-IFRS16 Adjusted earnings before exceptional items, share option charge, interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation.

** Pre-IFRS16 Adjusted profit / (loss) before tax is the profit / (loss) before tax, share option charge and exceptional items.

Reported

Share option charge

Exceptional items

Rounding

Adjusted

Key Metrics 

Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted Profit/(loss) before tax

2020

2019

Revenue
£m

Operating
loss
£m

EBITDA
£m 

Loss
before tax
£m

Revenue
£m

Operating
profit
£m

EBITDA
£m 

Loss
before tax
£m

25.8

(6.5)

(1.0)

(7.6)

60.0

–

–

–

0.4

1.8

–

25.8

(4.3)

0.4

1.8

–

1.2

0.4

1.8

–

–

–

–

(5.4)

60.0

2.5

0.3

2.9

–

5.7

5.9

0.3

2.9

–

9.1

2.2

0.3

2.9

(0.1)

5.3

Post IFRS 16
52 weeks to
27.12.20
£m

Pre IFRS 16
52 weeks to
27.12.20
£m

52 weeks to
29.12.19
£m

Change
Pre IFRS 16
%

25.8

1.2

(5.4)

25.8

(0.8)

(5.1)

60.0

9.1

5.3

-57%

N/A

N/A

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
02

At a glance

A premium,  
wet-led offer and 
flexible approach 
that appeals to a 
broad customer base

Timeline

Co-founded by Clive Watson,  
David Bruce and John Roberts as 
The City Pub Company East and 
The City Pub Company West
2011

Pubs added to portfolio

Pubs added to portfolio

Alfie’s, Winchester, 
Bath Brew House, Bath,
The Lighthouse, London, 
The Phene, London,
The Georgian Townhouse, Norwich,
The Roundhouse, London
2013

The Old Bicycle Shop, Cambridge,
The George Street Social, Oxford,
The Walrus, Brighton,
Prince Street Social, Bristol,
King Street Brew House, Bristol,
The Cock & Bottle, London
2015

2012
First four pubs to start trading

The Cork, Bath, 
The Mill, Cambridge,
St Aldates Tavern, Oxford,
Cambridge Brew House, Cambridge

2014
Pubs added to portfolio

Daly’s Wine Bar, London,  
Temple Brew House, London,  
The Lion and Lobster, Brighton,
St Andrews Brew House, Norwich,  
The Nell Gwynne, London

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202003

WHAT WE DO
Established in 2011, The City Pub Group is a managed pub 
business operating in London and the South of England and 
Wales. It has a collection of 48 unbranded predominately 
free-house pubs clustered around affluent Cathedral cities. 
Its premium, wet-led offer and flexible approach give it broad 
customer appeal across residents, workers, students, 
shoppers and tourists. 

PRODUCT OFFERING
The Directors believe that in the premium managed pub 
sector, liquor sales such as craft ales, craft spirits and 
independent coffee brands offer higher growth potential, 
higher margins and higher predictability over sales than 
traditional beers, lagers and spirits. Food menus are 
developed to offer high quality, freshly prepared food, 
providing good value for money and offering a wide range of 
choice. Increasingly, more healthy and vegan options are 
being offered in our pubs to broaden the appeal to a wider 
range of customers

The Group has five key target markets: 

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STUDE N T S

Pubs added to portfolio

The Cat & Mutton, London, 
Inn on the Beach, Hayling Island, 
The Punt Yard, Cambridge,  
The Petersfield, Cambridge, 
The Althorp, London, 
London Road Brew House, Southampton, 
The Westgate, Winchester
2016

Pubs added to portfolio

Belle Vue, London, 
Tell Your Friends, London
The Market House, Reading (opened in 2019),
Pontcanna Inn, Cardiff, 
Old Ticket Office, Cambridge, 
Bow Street Tavern, London, 
The Bicycle Shed, Oxford, 
Tivoli, Cambridge (in development), 
Jam Tree, Clapham (renamed The Yard), 
Jam Tree, Chelsea (renamed The Lost Hours), 
The Travellers Friend, London, 
Brighton Beach Club, Brighton, 
Chapel 1877, Cardiff
2018

Disposal of a cottage near to 
the Hoste, Burnham Market
2020

2017
Pubs added to portfolio

Three Crowns, London, 
Waterman, Cambridge,
Grapes, Oxford, 
Red Lion, Cambridge,
Old Fire House, Exeter,
Aragon House, London (opened in 2019)
IPO in November 2017

2019
Pubs added to portfolio

Pride of Paddington, London, 
Hoste, Burnham Market, 
Turks Head, Exeter (in development),
The Nest, Bath (in development),
Mumbles (in development)
The Island, Kensal Green
Disposal of Grapes, Oxford

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS04

Chairman’s statement

A strengthened base for 
improving returns

We are a streamlined, well-
invested business with a first-rate 
customer offer. Our pub estate 
is unique in terms of quality 
and, with the step change in 
the business, we have an ideal 
platform to grow successfully 
in the future.

CLIVE WATSON
Executive Chairman

Since my last statement in September 2020, the business has 
continued to face significant challenges caused by COVID-19. 
Our pub estate was effectively closed for trade from 
November 2020 until mid-April 2021 because of the second 
and third Government-imposed national lockdowns. I believe 
your Directors have dealt with this extraordinary and unique 
situation in a very professional and commercial fashion. 

During the course of the lockdown, much 
management time was spent focussing 
on minimising cost, systems 
improvement, optimising marketing 
activities, building the now very popular 
City Club app and, critically, preparing the 
trading estate for reopening. Equally as 
important has been the work to maintain 
good levels of staff morale, some of 
whom have found the pandemic difficult 
from a well-being perspective.

Trading Estate 
The Group currently operates 45 trading 
sites and a further 4 development sites. 

Despite the pandemic, we have not stood 
still: we have undertaken extensive 
refurbishment at The Hoste Burnham 
Market on the ground floor trading areas 
and refurbished a further ten bedrooms. 

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202005

Additionally, we are in the process of 
securing planning permission for extra 
outside seating space. The £300k capital 
spent has significantly upgraded The 
Hoste, one of our premier trading pubs, 
particularly as we approach a summer 
of staycations. We also carried out works 
at Inn on the Beach (Hayling Island), 
Brighton Beach Club and Georgian 
Townhouse (Norwich) expanding and 
improving the outside trading areas. 
Across the estate, we have now added 
more than 600 outside covers allowing for 
outside trading under Government 
restrictions in the short term, and 
moreover for the long-term as we look to 
take advantage the forecast trend of 
increased domestic holidays. The Group 
also benefits from 191 bedrooms. The 
make-up of our estate, combined with the 
work undertaken during the lockdown 
periods places us in a very strong position 
to capitalise on opportunities as 
restrictions ease.

As regards our development sites, we 
intend to start work on the Turks Head in 
Exeter imminently, with a view to opening 
the site in early Autumn. We are 
committed to commence works on the 
Tivoli in Cambridge, The Nest in Bath and 
our new hotel/restaurant/pub in 
Mumbles, Swansea, and these projects 
will start during the course of the summer. 

The Group’s estate of predominately 
freehold high-quality managed pubs is 
virtually unique in the pub sector. Our 
managed pubs have high levels of weekly 
sales, many pubs have great outside 
trading areas and the number of rooms 
across the estate has increased 
significantly over the last few years. On a 
normalised trading basis, the directors’ 
valuation of the Group’s portfolio is 
approximately £150m. 

Acquisitions 
As we emerge from the pandemic, there 
will be opportunities that arise and we are 
assessing investment opportunities on a 
very selective basis. We recently 
announced that we have acquired a 49% 
stake in an EIS-backed business, Barts 
Pub Ltd, which owns the iconic 
Kensington Park Hotel (KPH), based in 
Ladbroke Grove. The Group will run this 
pub under a management contract 
initially and has also secured an option to 
acquire the freehold of KPH to ensure that 
this asset comes into our ownership soon. 
KPH benefits from ground and first floor 
bars, as well as 7 boutique hotel rooms, 
and further opportunities to develop 
unutilised space on the top floor into 4 
further bedrooms. KPH typifies the type of 
acquisition the Group is looking for – a 
high quality property in densely 
populated, affluent, residential area. 

Last year the Group invested in £1.2m in 
Mosaic Pub and Dining Tranche 1 of 
companies resulting in the Group taking a 
14% equity stake in a fundraising which 
was priced at 40p per share. In March 
2021, the Group increased its stake to 24% 
stake at a price of 60p per share. The pub 
portfolio is high quality, with 7 of the 9 
pubs being freehold and the majority 
having outside trading areas close to 
prime residential neighbourhoods. The 
City Pub Group and Mosaic Pub and 

Dining negotiate major trading deals for 
liquor products together and the Group’s 
equity stake in Mosaic will strengthen this 
relationship going forward. 

Disposals 
The Group has identified four leases we 
intend to hand back or dispose of in an 
outright manner, but currently has no 
intention to make further disposals, apart 
from ancillary areas in certain pubs which 
can be sold for alternative use, primarily 
residential accommodation, a 
continuation of our stated strategy. In 
December 2020, the Group disposed of 
some cottages near to The Hoste in 
Burnham Market, for proceeds of £820k. 
Once COVID-19 is behind us, we will 
look for further disposal opportunities of 
this type. 

Financial Highlights 
Summary for the 52 weeks ended 
27 December 2020:

•  Revenue down 57% to £25.8 million 

(2019: £60.0 million) 

•  Adjusted EBITDA* of £(0.8) million (2019: 

£9.1 million) 

•  Adjusted profit/(loss) before tax** of 

£(5.1) million (2019: £5.3 million) 

•  Reported profit/(loss) of £(6.5) million 

(2019: £1.3 million) 

Key Metrics 

Revenue

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted Profit/(loss) before tax

Post IFRS 16
52 weeks to
27.12.20
£m

Pre IFRS 16
52 weeks to
27.12.20
£m

52 weeks to
29.12.19
£m

Change
Pre IFRS 16
%

25.8

1.2

(5.4)

25.8

(0.8)

(5.1)

60.0

9.1

5.3

-57%

N/A

N/A

*  Pre-IFRS16 Adjusted earnings before exceptional items, share option charge, interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation.

** Pre-IFRS16 Adjusted profit / (loss) before tax is the profit / (loss) before tax, share option charge and exceptional items.

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
06

Chairman’s statement cont’d

Included within these results is an 
impairment charge of c.£933k for some of 
our leasehold properties. These 
valuations are distorted by the impact of 
COVID-19, however as the Group starts 
trading again, it will focus on generating 
high levels of turnover per pub, on higher 
operating margins due to the streamlining 
and operational progress made and, on 
new investments, higher return on capital. 
It is worth noting that except for those 
assets which have been subject to the 
impairment review, values are recorded at 
historic cost and in many cases the 
current pub market value significantly 
exceeds this. 

Bank Facilities 
In March 2021, the Group agreed to a £5m, 
3-year, CLBILS loan in addition to its 
existing £35m RCF with Barclays, of which 
£25m is currently drawn. Barclays have 
agreed to waive the RCF’s existing 
financial covenants through to June 2022. 
They have been replaced with a Minimum 
Liquidity Test in the sum of £8m plus an 
additional Minimum EBITDA Test to be 
tested on a monthly basis, after which 
date the financial covenant tests as 
currently documented will recommence. 

The Group has a strong liquidity position 
with £15m of unutilised facilities as a result 
of the equity fundraising in March 2020 
and tight cash control. This is sufficient 
liquidity not only to ride out the COVID-19 
storm but also to begin to explore 
selective acquisitions. The Board would 
like to put on record its thanks to Barclays 
plc for all its assistance, particularly since 
the outbreak of COVID-19, in helping the 
Group to strengthen its financial position 
and be well placed to emerge strongly 
from the crisis. 

Retail and Operational Improvements 
In the last 12 months, the Group has 
implemented the following 
improvements: 

1.   streamlined supply chain to improve 

operating margins; 

2.  reduced complexity of menus resulting 
in lower labour costs in the kitchen; 

3.  improved the City Club app (over 
100,000 active members) where 
customers can now book, order and 
pay via the app, helping to reduce FOH 
labour costs; 

4.  conducted numerous renegotiations 
on key central contracts, reducing 
variable costs across the pub estate 
and at head office; 

5.  utility costs have been more effectively 
managed and behavioural changes 
made to reduce carbon emissions and 
costs; 

6.  marketing and bookings have been 
centralised to improved pre-booked 
business; and

7.   Head office / Regional posts have 

been made redundant to speed up 
decision making and reduce costs. 

These changes have helped to 
significantly reduce our cost base and 
have also lessened the complexity in the 
operation of our pubs. The Group wants to 
quickly return to being a dynamic, 
entrepreneurial, operation-focused 
business where it can improve the 
optimisation of existing capacity, as well 
as increase capacity by new acquisitions. 

COVID-19 gave the Group a one-off 
opportunity to reset the way the business 
was operated and re-calibrate our 
ambitions to ensure that we are poised to 
deliver further growth and build upon 
what we have achieved since our IPO in 
November 2017. 

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202007

Strengthening the Board 
At the beginning of 2020, the Board 
agreed to strengthen the Group’s senior 
management team and to dispense with 
its dual City Pub Company East & City Pub 
Company West operating structure. In 
November 2020, we appointed Toby 
Smith to the board in a new role as Chief 
Operating Officer. Toby has extensive 
experience in the pub market having held 
senior positions at Stonegate Pub 
Company and Novus Leisure. Toby has 
already implemented changes to improve 
the operational management of the 
business and I am confident that his 
experience and style of management will 
successfully reopen our estate, but also 
help accelerate the growth of the Group. 

We also strengthened the independence 
and diversity of the Board by appointing 
Emma Fox in March 2021. Emma is Chief 
Executive Officer of Berry Bros. & Rudd 
Ltd, and has extensive knowledge of the 
pub industry, having previously been a 
Non-Executive Director of Punch Taverns. 
Emma will not only help strengthen the 
Board from a Corporate Governance 
perspective, but she will also bring her 
knowledge in marketing and technology 
to the Group as it commits more resources 
to these increasingly important areas. 

ESG
As we emerge from a time of deep 
disruption and disconnection after 
Covid-19, we are at a turning point where 
we envision a world where our pubs are 
bringing people together in safe and 
supportive spaces so they can reconnect. 
To begin this journey, we have established 
an ESG committee, reporting to Emma 
Fox, Independent Non-Executive Director, 
and we launched a significant and 
thorough review of our current operations 
and processes to ensure that we emerge 
as a more responsible business, primed 
to play a positive role in the industry’s 
recovery.

We have created a framework to deliver 
our vision by inspiring change and 
engaging with our partners to create 
independent spaces that benefit people, 
enrich our local communities and protect 
the planet.

This is underpinned by connection, 
collaboration, and transparency to 
maximise our positive impact. Our 
approach is localised, independent and 
responsible – adding value by being 
different and unique. Creating safe and 
supportive spaces for people and for the 
planet is central to this.

Dividends 
The Board has decided to utilise short-
term positive cash flow generated to 
either invest in new opportunities or 
reduce its bank borrowings. However, 
when there is a return to normal trading 
conditions and the balance sheet is even 
stronger the Board will consider the 
resumption of dividend payments. The 
Board recognises that many companies in 
the pub sector have received state aid 
during the COVID pandemic and the 
Board will only contemplate payment of 
dividends when it no longer receives 
state aid. 

AGM 
The AGM this year will be at Aragon 
House, Parson Green, and will be held at 
12pm on Monday 28 June 2021. 

Outlook 
Trading has been disrupted dramatically 
by the pandemic but the Board 
believes that due to last year’s 
fundraising, the continued support of 
its banks, strengthening of the senior 
management team, and changes made 
at an operational level, the business is in 
even better shape than pre Covid-19 to 
take advantage of pent up demand. 

Naturally, our immediate focus is ensuring 
our pubs trade well and profitably in the 
forthcoming months and making sure that 
we are delivering the right service and 
product to our customers. 

Many of the changes we have made in the 
past year at an operational level, whether 
improved cost control or reduced 
complexity, will enable the business to be 
proactive in providing a first-rate customer 
offer in these fast-changing times.

We believe we are one of the best 
employers in the hospitality industry – 
many of our employees have share 
options – and we want to grow a great 
nucleus of retail and head office staff so 
that we can expand the estate as soon 
as possible. 

Current trading in the 24 pubs that we 
have re-opened since 12 April has been 
extremely encouraging, with trading at 
77% of 2019 levels, (excluding any benefits 
from VAT reductions on food and letting 
rooms) and, with pubs being allowed to 
have customers indoors, we are confident 
that we will get back to 2019 levels over 
the course of the summer, especially due 
to the sporting programme which 
includes the European 2021 football finals, 
the British and Irish Lions Tour of South 
Africa and return of tennis at Wimbledon. 

I look forward to when we can provide 
firm opening dates for our development 
sites and when we can get back to 
delivering the vision we set out at the time 
of the IPO in November 2017. I believe we 
have the platform now to grow this 
business to be more than 100 pubs. The 
time it takes for us to reach this goal will, 
to a certain extent, depend on when 
certainty and normal trading conditions 
resume. The entire management team 
and I are very ambitious and are focussed 
on taking the opportunities which will 
arise from the anticipated shake-out 
across the pub industry. 

This has been an extraordinary year and I 
and the Board particularly acknowledge 
the contribution of our staff, suppliers, 
shareholders, advisors and bankers. I 
cannot emphasise enough how grateful 
we to these key stakeholders who, as well 
as assisting us through unparalleled 
times, will also help us achieve our 
ambitions over the course of the next 
few years. 

Clive Watson 
Executive Chairman 
10 May 2021

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS08

Our business model

Our approach
City Pub Group stands out from the 
crowd with its unique and premium offer. 
This is embedded in its culture and 
influences everything from site selection, 
food and menu design to the quality of its 
employees.

Premium offering
Liquor-led pubs with high  
quality food offering 

Quick to adapt to consumer  
habits for food and drink 

Micro-breweries in selected  
sites add differentiation and  
choice variety

Acquisition and 
transformation of sites
Extensive network in the 
industry enables privileged 
access to new sites

Seamless integration 
of acquired pubs

Need for refurbishment 
decided on a case-by-case 
basis

Importantly its portfolio is built up of 
unbranded, wet-led pubs in high footfall 
areas that appeal to a broad range of 
customers. Each pub is centred on a high 
calibre level of staff that offers a relaxed, 
enthusiastic charming environment. The 
Group has a solid track record of 
identifying, acquiring, refurbishing and 
repositioning pubs to drive higher returns. 

Its approach is highly differentiated and 
combines the flexibility of the managed 
pub model with the entrepreneurialism of 
the tenanted model. This differentiated 
approach has been honed over 
management’s 100 collective years of 
pub retail experience.

People and culture
Quality staff are key to the  
Company’s strategy 

Track record of hiring exceptional 
managers who are well trained and 
incentivised with targeted programmes 

Typically hire from within  
resulting in low staff turnover

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Sourcing
Central buying power

Benefiting from attractive 
long term agreements with 
suppliers due to its scale

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DEDICATED 
MARKETING

Dedicated marketing
Marketing is predominately  
reputation-based supported  
by strong online reviews 

Development of innovative  
“City Club” app to engender  
customer loyalty

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020 
 
 
 
Our key strengths

09

Premium operator creating individual 
identity for each pub 
The Group’s pub estate and flexible retail 
strategy addresses the trend away from 
branded pubs and towards premium 
individualised pubs, each of which have 
a product range appropriate for their 
local market.

The group is asset backed
Prior to the IPO in November 2017, an 
independent valuation report by CBRE 
valued the Group’s portfolio of 34 pubs at 
£73.65 million. At the time the valuation 
represented a 9% uplift on net book 
value. In the last 3 years the Group has 
continued to expand and has added a 
number of pubs to the portfolio including 
Aragon House and the Hoste, both are 
substantial freeholds.

Scalable platform with pipeline 
of potential acquisitions
The centralised infrastructure platform, 
comprising systems and processes as well 
as head office staff, enables a smooth 
change of ownership for the pubs which 
are currently in the acquisition pipeline, 
as well as those identified through the 
Group’s appraisal of both individual sites 
and portfolios of pubs across southern 
England and Wales. 

Impressive financial performance 
and growth 
The Group has enjoyed consistently 
strong sales and EBITDA growth, with 
steadily increasing operating margins over 
the last few years. Supplier agreements 
are expected to further improve operating 
margins going forward.

Experienced management team, 
motivated staff and strong culture
The management team of the Group has 
over 100 years’ experience in the pub 
industry with an excellent reputation, 
extensive contact base and proven skill in 
identifying attractive sites for an attractive 
price. Staff are incentivised to focus on 
customer service and are represented at 
board meetings, giving a high retention 
rate among key staff and a strong sense 
of culture.

Management strength and track record 
provides confidence in the deliverability 
of a premium hyper-local strategy of 
refurbishing and repositioning wet-led 
pubs across UK cathedral cities.

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS10

Pub Estate
The Group has a portfolio of 49 sites in southern England and Wales as shown on the map below. This consists of 45 trading sites 
(post Covid) and 4 development sites.

31 of the pubs in the portfolio are freehold (63%) and 18* are leasehold (37%) 

27

25

26

11

12

15

13

14

08

09

10

28

29

30

21

23

24

22

05

06

04

18

16

17

02

07

01

03

19

20

44

34

47

48

37

36

40

41

45

49

38

43

35

46

33

42

39

31

Wales

Norfolk

London cont’d

Freehold

Leasehold

03

The Nest

16

17

18

Mumbles

25

26

27

Exeter

Oxford

06

19

20 Turks Head

Hampshire

21

22

23

24

12

13

Tivoli

14

15

28

29

Reading

30

London

31

32

33

34

35

*

*

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

Bath

01

02

Brighton

04

05

Bristol

07

Cambridge

08

9

10

11

*  Daly’s Wine Bar and Temple Brew House operate under a single lease.

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020 
Our strategy

The Group expects to have 45 trading pubs (post Covid) and it intends to continue to 
acquire new sites once we are through the Coronavirus pandemic. The Group has 
extensive relationships with property agents specialising in the licenced trade 
industry and many of these relationships have been in existence for a number of years.

Acquisition strategy
The Group’s acquisition strategy is broken down into five areas.

1

2

Acquisition of existing pubs
Central to the Group’s acquisition 
strategy is buying existing pubs 
which are already trading well and 
are typically sold by private sellers. 
The main change is to transfer the 
pub’s supply contracts onto the 
Group’s centralised platform, 
quickly improving operating 
margins. The Group prides itself 
on the way it works with the 
existing employees in these pubs 
and, over a period of time, aims to 
integrate these employees into the 
Group’s entrepreneurial culture.

Acquisition of trading pubs 
which require redirection
The Group also seeks to acquire 
existing pubs that require modest 
refurbishment and improved 
retailing standards. Typically, the 
Group will target an investment of 
circa £250,000 to tailor the décor 
to the pub’s local market and 
improve the liquor and food 
offerings, as well as help the 
existing staff to adopt an 
entrepreneurial approach in 
managing the pub.

3

4

Closed down pubs requiring 
extensive refurbishment
The Group also looks to acquire 
sites that are either underperforming 
or have been closed down and 
which provide the opportunity for 
the Group to substantially refurbish 
and improve the product offer to 
better serve the tastes of the 
Group’s target consumers.

5

Investment into other 
EIS companies
The Group will look for opportunities 
to invest into EIS companies as it has 
done with Mosaic Pub and Dining 
Tranche 1 and with Barts Pub LTD.

Unlicensed premises
The Group is able to target sites 
which are currently unlicensed 
but which present the opportunity 
to be transformed into premium 
trading pubs.

The Group typically targets pubs 
and sites which produce, or are 
expected to produce, higher 
EBITDA per pub than the industry 
average. The Directors believe 
that by focusing on sites expected 
to produce a higher EBITDA, head 
office costs as a percentage of 
sales are reduced and this 
performance also enables the 
attraction and retention of top 
performing pub managers.

The Group evaluates new sites by 
testing them against five key 
target markets: residents, office 
workers, students, tourists and 
shoppers. For a new site to be 
considered, it should ideally 
address at least four of the five 
key target markets.

11

Refurbishment strategy
The Group’s strategy is to enhance 
existing sites rather than redesign to a set 
formula. The Directors believe that an 
operation comprising individual quality 
outlets which are unbranded will trade 
better over the longer term. When 
refurbishing a pub, the Group adopts a 
timeless design style which is one of high 
quality but is not fashionable or 
contemporary. A typical refurbishment is 
undertaken in a style which the Directors 
believe is long lasting. With regular 
maintenance the estate is kept in a high 
standard, this helps to ensure that future 
refurbishment costs are reduced and 
closures of pubs for major refurbishments 
are minimised.

Acquisition pipeline
The Group is continually appraising both 
individual sites and portfolios of pubs 
across southern England and Wales and 
develops a pipeline of potential 
acquisitions out of the large number of 
opportunities presented. All acquisitions 
are subject to approval by the Board and 
a key consideration, when seeking board 
approval, is to recommend pubs and sites 
in areas which are not highly competitive. 

The Group has a low annual rent charge 
compared to its turnover which was circa 
3.4% as at 27 December 2020, based on 
normalised trading levels. The Group 
intends to keep it around this level  
or lower.

The Group also reviews the existing 
portfolio to see if any sites should be 
considered for disposal.

Our strategy is to 
enhance existing sites 
rather than redesign 
to a set formula. Our 
Directors believe 
that an operation 
comprising individual 
quality outlets which 
are unbranded will 
trade better over the 
longer term

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS12

Our relationships

Our people
Recruitment and retention of high quality 
staff is key to the Group’s strategy, both 
at head office and across the estate. 
The Group’s staff are well-trained and 
appropriately incentivised, given their 
respective roles, with the focus on 
attracting the most suitable employees 
to support the growth of the Group and 
maintain high levels of consumer 
satisfaction.

People and culture
The Group’s localised strategy requires 
The Group’s localised strategy requires 
a certain standard and quality in its staff. 
The inherent ability to be engaging, 
intelligent and motivated are key 
attributes. The strategy to focus within 
Cathedral cities means finding the right 
type of staff should be easier especially 
as universities are central to all these 
cities. Finding the right people is followed 
by training programmes and a highly 
rewarding incentives package that we 
feel is unique in the industry. Putting its 
staff at the heart of the business is also 
reflected, with two employee representatives 
included at every board meeting.

Operation structure and staffing
Growth, accompanied with the clustering 
strategy, means many General Managers 
are “homegrown”. This has allowed for 
progression to Operations Manager in 
some cases. Each pub has a General 
Manager and most have a Head Chef 
on-site. The pre-Covid average full time 
equivalent (FTE) staff per pub ranges 
from 15-25 depending on size and offer 
(higher for those with accommodation 
and greater food offer). The operational 
structure is highly devolved fostering a 
more entrepreneurial spirit that is rarely 
seen in larger groups.

Our aim is to offer 
customers exceptional 
experiences, while 
striving to offer 
employees sufficient 
development 
possibilities to build 
a career within the 
Company

Number of staff

Staff by region

1,400

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

1,111

832

892

462

344

48
2016

61
2017

80
2018

98
2018

92
2020

Management & Administration

Pub staff

UK 76%

EU 21%

Other 3%

Staff by task

Front of House  
79%
Back of House   
21%

Staff training and incentives
Training
The overarching aim is to offer customers exceptional experiences, while striving to 
offer employees sufficient development possibilities to build a career within the Group. 

Incentives
The City Pub Group has developed a comprehensive incentives policy. Importantly, 
bonuses are based on both quantitative and qualitative targets that are paid out 
weekly, monthly, as well as annually.

Selective trainings offered to employees:

Management

Administrative

Food & Beverage

Management Development Programme 

Mental Health First Aid

Senior Chef Development Programme 

Leadership & Teambuilding

Wet Stock, GP and  
Cash Control Masterclass 

Devising a Balanced Menu  
& Managing Kitchen Profits

Strategic Social Media 
Workshop

Events & Inhouse 
Marketing Masterclass

Fire Marshall 

First Aid

Grievance and Disciplinary Workshop

FLOW Online Learning

Brewery & Cellar 
Management

WSET level 2

Personal License

Chef Academy

Mental Health & Wellbeing 
for Management

Train the Trainer

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202013

Our customers
While value for money is a major 
component, there is a key focus on a 
premium offer across the entire estate. 
Aligned with keeping the values of the 
pub intact, there is an aim for the pub 
to become a central part of the local 
community by incorporating local 
suppliers, local staff and providing 
several reasons for people to visit often.

Adapting and driving 
consumer preference
Shifts in consumer preferences combined 
with the changing profile of the high 
street, have blurred the lines between 
pubs, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops. 
Customers are now able to have a 
breakfast in a pub or dinner in a coffee 
shop. Menus are developed individually 
for each pub and offer good value across 
a wide range of choice. Increasingly, 
healthier and vegan options are being 
offered in each pub to broaden the 
appeal to a wider range of customers.

Our suppliers 
The Group adopts a long-term approach 
with its suppliers and has maintained 
relationships with its major suppliers 
since inception. This includes contractors, 
professional advisers, designers and 
property agents, as well as food and 
drink suppliers.

The Group entered into a number of three 
year fixed-term supply agreements with 
its major suppliers during 2017. These 
agreements cover over 80% of the 
Group’s liquor purchases. Due to Covid 
19, we extended a number of these 
contracts and have agreed a new two 
year contract from January 2021 with 
one of the major suppliers.

The Group has centralised its food 
purchasing function and significantly 
reduced the number of its suppliers. 
This has resulted in an improvement in its 
purchasing terms and will enable greater 
economies of scale to be achieved as the 
pub estate grows.

The Group has five  
key target markets:

E R S

P

P

SH O

RESID

E

N

T

S

T
O
U
R

I

S

T

S

E

S
R
FIC
E
K
R
OF
O
W

STUDEN T S

There is an aim for 
the pub to become 
a central part of the 
local community by 
incorporating local 
suppliers, local staff 
and providing several 
reasons for people 
to visit

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS14

Corporate social responsibility / ESG 

Together we can 
empower our  
people and protect 
our planet

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202015

Our approach is localised, independent 
and responsible – adding value by being 
different and unique. Creating safe and 
supportive spaces for people and for the 
planet is central to this.

CLIVE WATSON
Executive Chairman

We have established an ESG 
committee and together as a 
business, our aim is to empower 
our customers, benefit our people, 
enrich our local communities and 
protect our planet. The committee 
Chair is Emma Fox, Independent 
Non-Executive Director City Pub 
Company and Chief Executive 
Berry Bros & Rudd and includes 
Neil Griffiths, Independent 
Non-Executive Director of City Pub 
Company, former CEO of Punch 
Taverns Plc and Clive Watson, 
Co-Founder and Executive Chairman 
of City Pub Company. We also intend 
to hire a full time Executive to help 
progress our ESG framework and 
this Executive will sit on the ESG 
committee.

Empower our customers
We envision a world where our pubs are 
once again bringing people together in safe 
and supportive spaces so they can 
reconnect. We pride ourselves in creating 
inclusive environments whereby people from 
all walks of life enjoy their leisure time at our 
pubs and feel safe and supported. As part of 
this, we ensure all of our spaces have rooms 
that are adapted for people with disabilities. 

As we start eating and drinking inside 
once again, we are prioritising Covid-19 
management so that we can help keep our 
customers safe and healthy. More broadly, 
we put considerable efforts behind making 
sure our customers are well cared for and 
safe in our venues. Our staff are trained in 
safeguarding practices to ensure our 
customers’ comfort and wellbeing. We also 
encourage responsible drinking practices 
across all our pubs, including training on 
serving alcohol responsibly and offering 
better availability of low and non-alcoholic 
drinks products.

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS16

Corporate social responsibility / ESG cont’d 

Benefit our people
We seek to build a more diverse 
and inclusive workplace and provide 
flexible working arrangements to 
support our staff – whether this is to 
help facilitate family commitments 
or advance educational studies. 
We are also striving to create more 
diverse representation at board level. 
Currently we have employee 
representation at board level so 
improvements in staff welfare can 
be discussed.

We promote inclusive and fair 
renumeration and reward schemes 
across our pubs. Selected staff are 
awarded share options in the 
business after six months service by 
which time the company recognises 
the efforts of individuals to contribute 
to the overall success of the business. 

More broadly, we encourage an 
atmosphere of constant learning and 
upskilling. Our model of nearby pubs 
creating local clusters gives staff 
learning opportunities through 
sharing knowledge and expertise. 
These local clusters help to foster 
our culture of collaboration and 
support across the group and internal 
promotion within clusters is 
encouraged so that employees 
have genuine career prospects. 

Enrich the local community
Lockdown has caused a shift to more 
localised living. City Pub Company is 
built on a firm belief in the importance 
of independence, and our focus has 
always been on creating the perfect 
experience for each local community 
we serve. 

We have recently developed our City 
Club app which is an important way 
of communicating to our customers 
about local events in the surrounding 
communities. We seek to increase 
our role as a local community hub 
through the creation of our own 
events where lonely people are 
encouraged to attend and socialise 
with people from their community. 

We realise the importance of 
Emergency Workers to our 
communities, and they are given 25% 
off food and drink at our venues as a 
sign of appreciation for their service 
to our communities.

We work with employees to identify 
partnership opportunities that benefit 
local communities. We are partnering 
with Foodcycle who will use our 
kitchens to provide cooked meals 
to those who need it most. Our 
Customers will be able to donate City 
Pub points to Foodcycle. We have 
also partnered with Something to 
Look Forward To, which offers 
restaurant meals to those going 
through cancer treatment and their 
families to bring a ray of normality 
to their lives.

Protect the planet
1. Energy use and carbon footprint
We have partnered with Energise Net 
Zero Carbon Consultancy to capture 
data on our energy use and carbon 
emissions to enable us to work 
towards establishing reduction 
targets that optimise our carbon 
footprint. 

We are simultaneously engaging 
and auditing our suppliers’ social 
and environmental credentials so that 
we can benchmark our collective 
performance and set collaborative 
targets. On suppliers, we have 
developed a centralised model that 
reduces the number of deliveries to 
our pubs, limiting carbon emissions 
and congestion. We also work with 
local suppliers to support the 
community, minimise travel time and 
emissions. This is the first reporting 
year under the Streamlined Energy 
and Carbon Reporting regulations 
and we have worked with Energise to 
produce our first report on the period 
31/12/2019 – 27/12/20. The below 
data relates to emissions, broken 
down by Scope, the intensity ratio, 
the Notes, the Statement of 
Exclusions, and the Energy Efficiency 
Action taken. 

Our methodology has been based on 
the principals of the Greenhouse Gas 
Protocol, taking account of the 2015 
amendment which sets out a ‘dual 
reporting’ methodology for the 
reporting of Scope 2 emissions. In the 
‘Total Footprint’ summary, purchased 
electricity is reported on a location 
based model. We have reported on 
all measured emissions sources 
required by The Companies 
(Directors’ Report) and Limited 
Liability Partnerships (Energy and 
Carbon Report) Regulations, except 
where stated.

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202017

Emission Type

Total Scope 1 (Inclusion: Combustion)

Total Scope 2 (Inclusion: Purchased Energy)

Total Scope 3 (inclusion: Indirect Energy use)

Total

kWh

CO2e tonnes
(Location Based)

Current Year
 (2020)

Current Year 
(2020)

4,141,817

4,105,241

83,379

8,330,436

777.47

957.10

20.91

1,755.47

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity Ratio:

Total Footprint (Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3) – CO2e tonnes

Turnover (£)

Intensity Ratio (tCO2e/£100,000)
Employees

Intensity Ratio (tCO2e/Employee)

Emission Type

CO2e tonnes (Dual Reporting Methodology)

Total Scope 1  
(Inclusion: Combustion)

Total Scope 2  
(Inclusion: Purchased Energy)

Total Scope 3  
(inclusion: Indirect Energy use)

Total

Location
Based

Market Based
(Supplier Specific)

777.47

777.47

957.10

907.78

-5.15%

20.91

1,755.47

20.91

1,706.16

0%

-2.81%

Current Year 
(2020)

25.7 m

6.83

984

1.78

Var. %

0%

2. Reducing waste
Through the City Pub app, customers can 
access menus online, thereby reducing 
waste. We are in the process of linking up 
with local independent businesses and B 
Corp partners through the app so that our 
customers can spend their points with 
more responsible businesses. We have 
partnered the B Corp company Toast Ale 
to produce beer at our Temple brewery 
with the use of bread destined for waste. 
We have also partnered with TooGoodToGo 
app to sell food destined to go to waste.

3. Wider carbon reduction via  
plant-based foods
We provide customers with opportunities 
to make better choices that benefit the 
planet. We have significantly increased 
the number of vegan and vegetarian 
options on the menu and we are working 
with HIT Training – the market leading 
expert training and apprenticeship 
provider for the UK’s hospitality industry 
– to increase training of how to minimise 
negative environmental impact of our 
operations and of plant-based cookery 
among our apprentices. 

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS18

Business review

Financial performance 

Reported

Share option charge

Exceptional items

Rounding

Adjusted

2020

2019

Revenue 
£m

Operating 
loss
£m

EBITDA 
£m

Loss 
before tax 
£m

 Revenue 
£m

Operating 
profit 
£m

EBITDA 
£m

Profit 
before tax 
£m

25.8

(6.5)

(1.0)

(7.6)

60.0

–

–

–

0.4

1.8

–

25.8

(4.3)

0.4

1.8

–

1.2

0.4

1.8

– 

– 

–

–

(5.4)

60.0

2.5

0.3

2.9

–

5.7

5.9

0.3

2.9

–

9.1

2.2

0.3

2.9

(0.1)

5.3

Financial position and performance
The results reported with the financial statements are for the 
52 weeks ended 27 December 2020, compared with the 52 
weeks ended 29 December 2019. All commentary is for the 
statutory periods, except for the like for like information.

The adoption of IFRS16 Leases has been reflected in the 52 
weeks ended 27 December 2020 and as permitted by the 
standard, transitional provisions have been adopted which 
allow for no restatement of prior year figures.

The Group has a strong financial position as a cash generative 
business with a high quality, mainly freehold asset base. The 
bank debt at year end was £25m. 

Due to the enforced closure of the pubs because of Covid-19, 
our revenue is some 57% down on the prior year. Our adjusted 
operating loss before separately disclosed exceptional items 
was £(4.3) million (2019: profit £5.7 million). 

Adjusted EBITDA was reduced to £1.2 million due to the closure 
of the pubs (2019: £9.1 million). 

Finance costs
Net finance costs (pre IFRS16) before separately disclosed 
exceptional items were some £0.1 million higher than prior year 
at £0.4 million. 

Cash flow and net debt
The Group generated cash from operating activities of 
£1.3 million (2018: £6.4 million). In line with our acquisition 
strategy, we invested £2.3 million across a number of our sites 
and we invested some £1.3 million in investments, mainly the 
£1.2 million to acquire 14% of certain companies within the 
Mosaic Pub & Dining Group. 

Sources of finance
The Group have long term facilities of £35 million available, plus 
an accordion option of an additional £15 million until July 2022 
with the option to extend the facilities for up to two more years, 
so to July 2024. The Group had drawn down £25 million of these 
facilities at the year end. Our undrawn committed facilities at 
27 December 2020 were £10 million with a further £12 million 
of cash held on the statement of financial position at year end.

other non-recurring costs. Before separately disclosed 
exceptional items and share option charge, adjusted profit /
(loss) before tax was therefore £(5.4) million (2019: £5.3 million). 
Tax has been provided for at a rate of 19.0% (2019: 19.0%) on 
adjusted profit / (loss). A full analysis of the tax charge for the 
year is set out in note 7. 

IFRS 16 Accounting for Leases
The Group has adopted IFRS 16 Accounting for Leases for the 
year ending December 2020. As a result, operating lease 
expense has been replaced by depreciation and a finance 
charge. The net impact to adjusted profit is as expected a 
£0.3 million reduction to profit, as the increase to depreciation 
and finance costs is slightly larger than the reduction to lease 
operating costs. On adoption, both assets and liabilities 
increased by £21 million, with no net impact and no impact 
on cashflows.

Review of the business
The purpose of the business review is to show how the 
Company assesses and manages risk, and adopts appropriate 
policies and targets. Further details of the Company’s business 
and future developments are also set out in the Chairman’s 
statement.

KPIs
Legislation requires the Board to disclose Key Performance 
Indicators (KPIs) relevant to the Company. The KPIs are revenue, 
adjusted EBITDA and customer reviews. Comments regarding 
the trading performance of the sites can be found in the 
Chairman’s Statement. 

We review our performance by looking at our current year 
actuals against both budget and prior year figures.

Going concern statement
Please see the Directors report for the Going Concern 
statement.

On behalf of the Board

Separately disclosed items
Separately disclosed exceptional items before tax of £1.8 million 
comprised £0.9 million impairment provision for a number of 
sites, £0.7 million of stock that has been written off due to the 
number of enforced closure due to Covid 19 and £0.2 million of 

Tarquin Williams
Chief Financial Officer 
10 May 2022

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020 
Directors’ duties – S172 Companies Act 2006 

19

Directors’ duties to promote the long-term success  
of the company 
The directors behave and carry out their activities to promote 
long-term success for the benefit of the company’s 
shareholders, employees, clients and stakeholders. They focus 
on the company passing on a stronger, better and more 
sustainable business to those who follow while maintaining 
intergenerational fairness. 

They engage with shareholders, employees, clients and 
stakeholders to reflect their insights and views when making 
decisions on strategy; delivering operational effectiveness; 
making plans; driving initiatives; and committing to deliver 
outcomes that enhance social value. 

The culture and values promoted by the directors creates a 
focus across the Group on observing and maintaining the 
highest standards of business conduct in promoting the 
long-term success of the company. 

The narratives in the corporate governance report and directors’ 
report highlight how the directors have observed these 
principles and engaged with shareholders, employees, clients 
and stakeholders in decision-making and in promoting the 
long-term success of the company.

As we emerge from the pandemic Environmental, Social and 
Governance (ESG) agenda has become increasingly important 
for all businesses. In response we have established an ESG 
committee, which will be chaired by Emma Fox our recently 
appointed NED. We have launched a significant and thorough 
review to ensure that we emerge as a more responsible 
business, primed to play a positive role in the industry’s recovery. 
We are taking our responsibilities seriously, want to get it right as 
we understand that those that succeed in this area will have 
competitive advantage. 

Further explanation of these duties can be found in the 
Directors’ report. 

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS20

Principal risks and uncertainties

Aligning risk with corporate strategy 
Risk Management Overview 
The City Pub Group is not alone in facing a range of risks and 
uncertainties in the course of its business. Our aim is to identify 
and manage these risks effectively so that we can deliver on our 
strategy and maximise shareholder returns.

In the course of its normal business, the Group continually 
assesses and takes action to mitigate the various risks 
encountered that could impact the achievement of its 
objectives. As detailed in the Corporate Governance Report, 
there are systems and processes in place to enable the Board to 
monitor and control the Group’s management of risk. The Audit 
Committee reviews the effectiveness of this process and seeks 
to ensure that management’s response is adapted appropriately 
to the changing environment. 

External Risks 
There are a number of external risks over which the Board has 
no direct control, which are discussed at Board and Audit 
Committee meetings to ensure that the business can respond 
effectively to changes in the external environment.

•  A decline in the UK economy would reduce consumer 

disposable income and could see a reduction in revenues 
across the industry, or a polarisation between cost leaders and 
premium operators.

•  The implications of Brexit are uncertain and will continue to be 
for the foreseeable future. The business model is dependent 
on being able to source skilled labour, much of which comes 
from the EU. 

•  The threat of terrorism in the UK has an impact on the way in 

which we operate and the safety of our customers and 
employees is of paramount importance. A prolonged terrorist 
campaign could ultimately reduce consumer spending habits.

•  Covid 19 – future pandemics.

The following sets out what the Board considers to be the 
principal risks which affect the Group at present, although it is 
not intended to be a comprehensive analysis of all the risks that 
the business may face. 

Risk Trend Key

 Risk increasing 

 Risk unchanged 

Risk decreasing 

Regulatory and compliance risks 

Description

Impact

Risk Mitigation & Monitoring

Change

Legislative Changes
The City Pub Group operates in a highly 
regulated sector where government 
legislation impacts much of the way we do 
business and therefore the business model.

Any significant changes in policy 
could lead to a sudden change or 
the long-term decline of the 
business.

• We carefully monitor legislative 

developments and review sales trends 
and consumer habits to gauge their 
impact on our business. 

The annual stepped increases to the National 
Living Wage (“NLW”) presents a challenge to 
the way in which staff costs are controlled.

Similar changes in future could 
reduce profitability in our managed 
pubs.

• We participate in industry initiatives 
aimed at the responsible promotion 
and retailing of alcohol.

• We have taken steps to mitigate the 

impact of the NLW legislation through 
review of our staff hours and pricing 
strategies and we are in a unique 
competitive position as we already pay 
many of our employees above the NLW. 
We are also closely monitoring the 
potential wider wage inflation impact.

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020 
21

Regulatory and compliance risks continued 

Description

Impact

Risk Mitigation & Monitoring

Change

Health and Safety and Food Safety
The health and safety of the Group’s 
employees and customers is a key concern to 
us. We are required to comply with health and 
safety legislation, including fire safety, food 
hygiene and allergens.

Operating a large number of 
managed houses increases the 
complexity of ensuring the highest 
health and safety standards are 
adhered to.

•  A Health and Safety Committee 

oversees the operation of the Group’s 
health and safety policies and 
procedures, and regularly updates its 
policies and training programme to 
ensure all risks are identified and 
properly assessed and that relevant 
regulation is adhered to. 

• We use Food Alert a food and H&S 
consultancy to provide audit advice 
and risk assessment management. 
They audit each site twice a year.

• We report and investigate all accidents 

and near misses and are looking to 
appoint dedicated safety champions 
throughout the business. 

•  In a number of Pubs, we have 

introduced automatic fire suppression 
systems in our kitchens to reduce fire 
risk. 

•  All staff receive food hygiene and 
allergen awareness training as 
standard and regular kitchen audits/
checks ensure they comply with the 
standards expected of them. Quality 
assurance checks on our core 
suppliers ensure hygiene standards 
have been adhered to before produce 
reaches our kitchens.

Operational and people risks 

Description

Impact

Risk Mitigation & Monitoring

Change

Business Continuity  
and Crisis Management
Coronavirus / Covid-19. Possible  
further waves.

The impact of the Coronavirus 
(COVID-19) has been to close all of 
our pubs from 20 March 2020 for 
more than three months followed 
by more enforced closures in 
November and then again in 
December 2020 through to 
April 2021.

Our Managed pubs represent  
our key revenue stream.

The impact of a major disaster 
affecting a number of pubs over a 
period of time could be significant.

• We looked at ways of reopening the 
pubs using social distancing to keep 
staff and customers safe.

• We purchased stocks of PPE and 

sanitisers to ensure that the sites were 
Covid safe and we could follow the 
Government guidelines and keep our 
staff and customers safe. 

• We monitored whether a second wave 
of the virus could impact our sites and 
factored this into our continuity 
planning, i.e. keeping stocks low.

•  Operational processes developed to 

react to any Covid-19 infections among 
our team members.

• We have well-documented disaster 
recovery plans which are rehearsed 
regularly throughout the business to 
ensure that normalisation can occur as 
swiftly as possible after a serious 
incident and that any damage is 
contained.

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS22

Principal risks and uncertainties cont’d

Operational and people risks continued 

Description

Impact

Risk Mitigation & Monitoring

Change

Information Technology
The Group is increasingly reliant on its 
information systems to operate.

Trading would be affected by any 
significant or prolonged failure of 
these systems.

Data Security – the data held by the Group is 
a key business asset and personal data 
protection is key. Deliberate acts of cyber-
crime are on the increase, targeting all 
markets and heightening risk exposure.

Any significant loss of data could 
lead to a considerable interruption 
for the business and reputational 
damage, as well as fines under 
GDPR.

•  To minimise this risk the IT function 

has a range of facilities and controls in 
place to ensure that in the event of an 
issue normal operation would be 
restored quickly. 

•  These include a formal IT Recovery 

Plan, online replication of systems and 
data to a third-party recovery facility, 
and external support for hardware and 
software.

•  The IT systems in place follow 

appropriate data protection guidelines 
to ensure the risk of both personal and 
Company data loss is minimal.

•  Our network is protected by firewalls 
and anti-virus protection systems. 
Threats to our data security by viruses, 
hacking or breach of access controls 
are constantly monitored.

Recruitment & Staff Retention
The Group has a business model built upon 
recruiting and keeping the best people to 
support its strategy.

There is a risk that if a number of 
key employees were to leave at the 
same time it may risk the delivery 
of the Group’s strategy.

•  The Group performs detailed 

succession planning to ensure that 
key roles are considered to ensure 
appropriate cover is available. 

There is a risk that recruitment will become 
increasingly competitive and that staffing 
shortages within the hospitality industry could 
drive wage inflation.

If we cannot recruit the best 
people, we risk falling levels of 
quality which could impact our 
reputation.

If we become reliant on agency 
staff, profit margins are reduced.

•  The Group culture and remuneration 

packages are attractive. Policy is set up 
to ensure the key members of our staff 
are appropriately remunerated to 
reduce the likelihood they are 
attracted to other competitor 
businesses.

• We have established a strategy which 
will ensure we continue to attract and 
retain highly trained, quality staff and 
have invested in internal development 
as part of our Chefs Development 
programme.

• We have taken steps to ensure that 

we will be prepared for the impact of 
a potential reduction in qualified 
hospitality workers in the wake of 
Brexit and that we will remain the 
employer of choice.

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202023

Economic and market risks 

Description

Impact

Risk Mitigation & Monitoring

Change

Economic Uncertainty and Cost Inflation
Market uncertainty and increasing demand 
leads to cost pressures in several areas, 
most significantly food and drink production, 
utilities and staff costs. We are also facing 
significant cost head-winds such as 
business rates.

The weaker pound sterling gives 
risk to increasing food costs, 
particularly from the Eurozone 
and reduces profitability.

•  Key suppliers undergo a rigorous 

procurement process to ensure that 
we get the best deal. 

• We seek to maintain good relations 

with suppliers. 

•  Monthly reviews of Key Performance 

Indicators (“KPIs”) indicate areas where 
costs could rise significantly.

Loss of Company Values or  
a Failure to Adhere to Them
CPG is a company based on a strong set of 
values which are key to its success and future.

Should these be undermined or 
not adhered to, the Company’s 
unique position and long-term 
future would be jeopardised.

•  The Group has a culture which ensures 
that management are encouraged to 
take business decisions for the 
long-term benefit of the Group. 

Consumer Demand Shifts
The Group’s success is attributable to 
its ability to anticipate and react to 
consumer demand.

The way in which the Group 
responds to market changes is 
critical to its on-going strategy 
and has a direct impact on all 
operational activity.

•  This culture also promotes a long term 
and collaborative approach that does 
not lead to excessive risk taking and 
the reward system encourages 
appropriate behaviour.

•  Management monitor and research 

consumer trends and run trials of new 
technologies, brands and products. 

• We gather consumer feedback 

through surveys, customer complaints 
and online and social media reviews. 

• We analyse retail pricing and market 

share data to ensure we are 
competitive but still premium. 

•  The Board approves all significant new 
acquisition decisions and therefore 
controls key changes to the Group.

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS24

Principal risks and uncertainties cont’d

Financial risks 

Description

Impact

Risk Mitigation & Monitoring

Change

Funding Requirements
We expect the Group to be able to access 
suitable financial facilities to meet the 
ongoing requirements of the business and 
our longer term strategic objectives.

If we are unable to meet the 
funding requirements of the Group, 
we risk reduced revenue and lower 
profitability than our growth plans.

Covenant Risks
We expect to be able to meet our banking 
covenants under a range of cautious liquidity 
scenarios. The Coronavirus has resulted in the 
closure of all our pubs, which effects our 
ability to meet the banking covenants.

If we are unable to meet the 
covenant requirements of the 
Group’s RCF this might affect our 
ability to grow the business and 
might damage our reputation and 
ongoing creditworthiness. 

•  The Group agreed a £35m revolving 

credit facility (RCF) with Barclays and 
an accordion option of £15m, which is 
in place until July 2022, but can be 
extended for an additional two years. 

• We raised additional equity of £22m 

before costs from a placing and open 
offer in March 2020 to strengthen the 
balance sheet.

• We have agreed a new £5m CLBLS 
facility through Barclays to increase 
our liquidity until we are through the 
Covid pandemic.

•  The Group prepares long term business 

plans and forecast to ensure that 
financial covenants can be met and 
monitored on a regular basis. Our 
forecast models closely tracks future 
covenant headroom of bank debt 
through all considered acquisitions.

•  Barclays have agreed to waive the 

existing financial covenant tests until the 
end of June 2022.

•  Barclays have agreed to replace the 
existing financial covenants with a 
Minimum Liquidity Test in the sum of 
£8m and a Minimum EBITDA Test up to 
June 2022, after which date the financial 
covenant tests as currently documented 
will recommence.

Risk of not complying with plc rules/corporate matters

Description

Impact

Risk Mitigation & Monitoring

Change

Corporate Matters
ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme).
Packaging Regulations.

We need to meet our reporting 
deadlines and also understand 
how we are able to be more 
energy efficient which is good for 
the environment and will save us 
money.

•  External company is employed as our 

lead assessor and energy auditor.

•  Advisor appointed to help with 

collecting of data and the reporting 
of our obligations.

On behalf of the Board

Tarquin Williams
Chief Financial Officer 
10 May 2021

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020 
Board of Directors

Executive Directors

Clive qualified as a Chartered 
Accountant with Price Waterhouse 
in London in 1986 then joined the 
investment bank Manufacturers 
Hanover Limited where he spent 
three years. He joined Regent Inns 
PLC as Finance Director and 
Company Secretary in 1990. Clive 
left Regent Inns PLC in February 
1998 and co-founded Tup Inns 
Limited, where he was responsible 
for financial and commercial 
matters as well as acquisitions, 
before becoming Chief Executive 
and Finance Director of Tom 
Hoskins PLC, an AIM listed 
company. Clive was a founding 
director of The Capital Pub 
Company PLC in 2000 and 
remained on the board until the 
company’s sale to Greene King in 
2011. Clive was appointed as Chief 
Executive of The City Pub Company 
(East) PLC in December 2011 before 
becoming Chairman in September 
2014 and served throughout the 
period.

Toby is a very experienced and 
senior operator with over 25 years’ 
experience in UK hospitality. He has 
held CEO roles with Stonegate Pub 
Company, Novus Leisure and Town 
and City Pub Company. Prior to 
these, he also held senior roles at 
Laurel Pub Company, Spirit Group 
and Scottish and Newcastle Retail. 
Toby was appointed as Chief 
Operating Officer of the Company 
on 10 November 2020.

Clive Watson  
ACA (60)
Executive Chairman

Toby Smith (50) 
Chief Operating Officer

25

Rupert has over 20 years’ 
experience in the running of 
high-volume food and liquor-led 
pubs, both in and outside London. 
Rupert was previously Operations 
Manager of The Capital Pub 
Company PLC and was with Capital 
for four years. After the sale of 
Capital to Greene King in 2011 
Rupert stayed on to ensure the 
smooth integration of pubs into the 
Greene King estate. Prior to Capital, 
Rupert worked as Operations 
Manager at The Food and Drink 
Group, repositioning their City bars, 
and at Fullers first developing The 
Fine Line brand and then their 
un-branded bars and gastro pubs. 
Rupert was appointed as Joint-Chief 
Executive of The City Pub Company 
(East) PLC in April 2013 becoming 
sole Chief Executive in September 
2014 and served throughout the 
period.

Rupert Clark (49)
Managing Director

Tarquin has considerable 
experience in the managed & 
tenanted pub industry. He spent 16 
years with Fuller Smith & Turner PLC 
from 1997; the last eight years there 
he was Chief Accountant for Fullers 
Inns, with an estate of circa 400 
pubs. Tarquin then spent a short 
period of time serving as Chief 
Operating Officer at the Ladies 
European Tour running their head 
office based at the Buckinghamshire 
Golf Club. Tarquin was appointed as 
Finance Director of the City Pub 
Company (East) PLC in March 2015 
and served throughout the period.

Tarquin Williams 
ACMA (50) 
Chief Financial Officer

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS26

Board of Directors cont’d

Non-Executive Directors

John has been involved in the food 
and beverage industries for over 
forty years, with more than twenty 
five of those years in the brewing 
and pubs sector. In 1994 John joined 
Courage, becoming Strategic 
Planning Director for the newly 
formed Scottish Courage. John 
joined the board of Fuller, Smith & 
Turner PLC in 1996 as Sales and 
Marketing Director, before then 
managing the Fuller’s Beer 
Company from 1999, initially as Beer 
and Brands Director, and later as its 
Managing Director. In addition, John 
has sat on a number of committees 
of the British Beer and Pub 
Association and Independent Family 
Brewers of Britain. John was 
appointed as Director of The City 
Pub Company (East) PLC in 
December 2011 and served 
throughout the period. John sits on 
the Audit & Risk, Remuneration and 
Nominations Committees.

Richard has considerable public 
markets experience, gained through 
numerous non-executive director 
roles including acting as 
Independent Non-Executive 
Director for Regent Inns Plc and the 
Capital Pub Company. Richard 
currently serves as a Non-Executive 
Director to Pioneer (City) Pub 
Company, Non-Executive Chairman 
for CQS Natural Resources Growth 
and Income Plc. Richard qualified as 
a chartered accountant in 1973 with 
Coopers & Lybrand and has many 
years’ experience in corporate 
finance. Richard is Chairman of both 
the Remuneration Committee and 
the Audit & Risk Committee, and sits 
on the Nominations Committee. 
Richard was appointed as a 
Non-Executive Director of the 
Company on 25 October 2017 and 
served throughout the period.

James Dudgeon (73)
Company Secretary 

James has been Company 
Secretary since 2011. He was 
previously Company Secretary 
of the Capital Pub Company. He 
has an accounting background. 

John Roberts (63) 
Non-Executive 
Director

Richard Prickett 
FCA (69) 
Independent  
Non-Executive 
Director

Company  
Secretary

Neil Griffiths (59) 
Independent  
Non-Executive 
Director

Emma Fox (53) 
Independent  
Non-Executive 
Director

Neil was appointed as a Non-
Executive Director of the Group on 17 
January 2018. Neil qualified as a 
Chartered Surveyor in 1987 and has 
over 30 years of experience in retail, 
leisure and property sectors. Neil 
worked at Punch Taverns plc from 
2001 to 2017 holding a number of 
senior management roles including 
Chief Operating Officer, Chief 
Strategy Officer and Group Property 
Director. Neil joined Punch from Time 
Warner where he was International 
Property Director for their cinema 
division. Prior to that he held a 
number of Senior Management and 
Divisional Board roles at Bass Plc 
including Head of Property and 
Commercial Development Director. 
Neil is a Trustee Director for the 
Prince of Wales initiative “Pub is the 
Hub”. He is a former Council member 
of the British Beer & Pub Association 
having sat on panels and committees 
for both the BBPA and Royal 
Institution of Chartered surveyors. 
Neil is Chairman of the Nominations 
Committee and sits on the Audit & 
Risk and Remuneration Committees.

Emma is an exceptionally 
experienced director with over 30 
years of experience in the retail, 
leisure, and drinks sectors. Emma is 
currently CEO of Berry Bros & Rudd, 
the oldest wine and spirit merchant in 
the UK. She was appointed as CEO in 
2020, having served an Independent 
Non-Executive Director since 2017, to 
help guide the business through its 
next phase of growth. Emma joined 
Berry Bros & Rudd from The Original 
Factory Shop where she also held 
the role of CEO.

Previously, Emma held several senior 
management and divisional board 
roles at large retailers including 
Commercial Director at Halfords, 
Chief Marketing Officer at Walmart 
Canada and Commercial and 
Logistics Director roles at ASDA. 
Emma also has extensive hospitality 
and leisure experience having 
worked with Hollywood Bowl as 
Marketing Director, Bass Brewers and 
as a Non-Executive Director at Punch 
Taverns Plc. Emma was appointed as 
a Non-Executive Director of the 
Company on 11 March 2021. Emma is 
chair of the ESG Committee and sits 
on the Remuneration Committee and 
the Nominations Committee.

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020Corporate Governance report
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020

27

The Directors recognise the importance of sound corporate 
governance and they comply with the Quoted Companies 
Alliance Corporate Governance Code / QCA Guidelines.

The Board comprises eight Directors of which four are executives 
and four are non-executives, reflecting a blend of different 
experience and backgrounds. The Board considers Richard 
Prickett, Neil Griffiths and Emma Fox of the non-executive 
directors to be independent in terms of the QCA Guidelines. 

The Board meet regularly to review, formulate and approve the 
Group’s strategy, budgets, and corporate actions and oversee the 
Group’s progress towards its goals. In accordance with the best 
practice, the Group has established Audit and Risk, Remuneration 
and Nomination committees with formally delegated duties and 
responsibilities and with written terms of reference. From time to 
time separate committees may be set up by the Board to 
consider specific issues when the need arises.

Board of Directors
The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s system of 
internal control and reviewing its effectiveness. Key elements of 
the system of internal control include clearly defined levels of 
responsibility and delegation, together with well-structured 
reporting lines up to the Board; the preparation of comprehensive 
budgets for each pub and head office, approved by the Board; a 
review of period results against budget, together with 
commentary on significant variances and updates of both profit 
and cash flow expectations for the period; Board authorisation of 
all major purchases and disposals and regular reporting of legal 
and accounting developments to the Board.

The Audit and Risk Committee considered the proposed 
impairment of property, goodwill and right of use asset for the 
Annual Report. The Committee was satisfied with the approach 
presented by the management and the judgements made for 
those properties at risk of impairment.

The Committee considered the appropriateness of the going 
concern assessment and the associated judgements around 
material uncertainties. The Committee reviewed the scenarios 
and mitigation available to the Group and are satisfied the 
disclosures are appropriate.

The Group implemented IFRS16 Leases during the year using the 
modified retrospective method. The Committee reviewed a 
management paper and challenged the judgements and 
estimates that were used in the in calculations and they 
concluded that the adjustment were appropriate.

The ultimate responsibility for reviewing and approving the annual 
report and accounts and the half yearly reports remains with the 
Board. Membership of the Audit and Risk Committee 
compromises Neil Griffiths, John Roberts, Emma Fox and Richard 
Prickett and it is chaired by Richard Prickett. The Audit and Risk 
Committee will meet formally not less than twice every year and 
otherwise as required.

The Audit Committee have reviewed the independence and 
effectiveness of Haysmacintyre LLP, the Group’s external auditor, 
and are satisfied in both respects. Haysmacintyre LLP have signified 
their willingness to continue in office and a resolution to reappoint 
Haysmacintyre LLP as auditor will be proposed at the AGM.

Details of the current Directors, their roles and their backgrounds 
are on pages 25 and 26.

Audit and Risk Committee
The Audit and Risk Committee will assist the Board in discharging 
its responsibilities, within agreed terms of reference, with regard 
to corporate governance, financial reporting and external and 
internal audits and controls, including, amongst other things, 
reviewing the Group’s annual financial statements, reviewing and 
monitoring the extent of the non-audit services undertaken by 
external auditors, advising on the appointment of external 
auditors and reviewing the effectiveness of the Group’s internal 
controls and risk management systems. 

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee is responsible, within agreed terms 
of reference, for establishing a formal and transparent procedure 
for developing policy on executive remuneration and to set the 
remuneration packages of individual Executive Directors. This 
includes agreeing with the Board the framework for remuneration 
of the Executive Directors, the company secretary and such other 
members of the executive management of the Group as it is 
designated to consider. It is furthermore responsible for 
determining the total individual remuneration packages of each 
Executive Director including, where appropriate, bonuses, 
incentive payments and share options. No Director may be 
involved in any decision as to their own remuneration. 

Attendance 2020

Director

Clive Watson

Alex Derrick¹

Rupert Clark

Tarquin Williams

Toby Smith²

Richard Prickett

Neil Griffiths

John Roberts

Board

Audit

Remuneration

Nomination

4 (4)

3 (3)

4 (4)

4 (4)

1 (1)

4 (4)

4 (4)

4 (4)

*

*

4 (4)

4 (4)

4 (4)

*

*

2 (2)

2 (2)

2 (2)

1 (1)

1 (1)

1 (1)

*  These Directors are not members of the Committees but are invited to attend meetings.

1. Alex Derrick resigned from the Board with effect from 10 November 2020.

2. Toby Smith was appointed to the Board with effect from 10 November 2020.

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28

Corporate Governance report cont’d
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020

The membership of the Remuneration Committee comprises Neil 
Griffiths, John Roberts, Emma Fox and Richard Prickett and the 
committee is chaired by Richard Prickett. The Remuneration 
Committee will meet not less than twice a year and at such other 
times as the chairman of the committee shall require.

Nomination Committee
The Nomination Committee will have responsibility for reviewing 
the structure, size and composition of the Board and 
recommending to the Board any changes required for succession 
planning and for identifying and nominating (for approval of the 
Board) candidates to fill vacancies as and when they arise. The 
Nomination Committee is also responsible for reviewing the 
results of the Board performance evaluation process and making 
recommendations to the Board concerning suitable candidates 
for the role of senior independent director and the membership of 
the Board’s committees and the re-election of Directors at the 
annual general meeting. The membership of the Nomination 
Committee comprises Neil Griffiths, John Roberts and Richard 
Prickett and the committee is chaired by Neil Griffiths. The 
Nomination Committee will meet not less than once a year and at 
such other times as the chairman of the committee shall require.

ESG Committee
As we emerge from the pandemic Environmental, Social and 
Governance (ESG) agenda has become increasingly important for 
all businesses. In response we have established an ESG 
committee, which will be chaired by Emma Fox our recently 
appointed NED. We have launched a significant and thorough 
review to ensure that we emerge as a more responsible business, 
primed to play a positive role in the industry’s recovery. We are 
taking our responsibilities seriously, want to get it right as we 
understand that those that succeed in this area will have 
competitive advantage. 

Share incentive arrangements
The Directors believe that the success of the Group will depend to 
a significant degree on the future performance of the management 
team. The Directors also recognise the importance of ensuring that 
all employees are well motivated and identify closely with the 
success of the Group. The Directors regard equity participation to 
be an important aspect of the Group’s ability to attract, retain and 
incentivise its key staff. The Group currently provides, and intends to 
continue to provide, key senior management team members with 
an equity incentive in the Group.

The Existing Share Option Schemes consist of the CSOP Share 
Option Scheme, Joint Shared Ownership Plan (JSOP) and Long 
Term Incentive Plan (LTIP). After CPCE and CPCW became 
ineligible to grant any further EMI options, each company 
adopted a tax advantaged Company Share Option Plan (CSOP) in 
2016 and made further option grants under those plans over the 
respective company’s shares. These CSOP options ordinarily 
become exercisable shortly after the third anniversary of their 
grant date.

Options granted under the CSOP Share Option Scheme will 
become exercisable following the third anniversary of their date 
of grant. The Company may also grant further options under the 
CSOP Share Option Scheme. 

In order to incentivise the key senior management team following 
Admission, and to better align their interests with those of 
shareholders, the Company introduced a JSOP and has granted 
awards under the JSOP during 2018. 

The Company has granted share options, JSOP and LTIPs over 
6,980,000 Ordinary Shares representing 6.6 per cent of the 
Enlarged Share Capital. Taking this into account, an additional 
3,107,193 Ordinary Shares remain available for reward under the 
various schemes at the year end.

Senior bonus scheme
The Group has adopted a senior bonus scheme which provides 
for payment of discretionary annual performance based bonuses 
to senior key employees and executive directors of the Company. 
Bonus targets are set in relation to the profit of the Group. No pay 
out would be made if the minimum threshold on the bonus target 
schedules is not achieved. The targets have been selected to 
incentivise the senior key employees and executive directors to 
deliver performance in line with the Group strategy.

Directors’ emoluments
Directors’ emoluments for the period were as follows:

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202029

Single total figure of remuneration table
The following table shows a breakdown of the remuneration of individual Directors who served in all or part of the year:

Salary/Fees

Taxable Benefits

Pension/Other

2020
£000

2019
£000

2020
£000

2019
£000

2020
£000

2019
£000

Clive Watson

Alex Derrick

Rupert Clark

Tarquin Williams

Toby Smith

Richard Prickett

John Roberts*

Neil Griffiths

112

101

112

104

33

38

26

32

145

145

145

130

–

47

33

42

9

6

9

2

–

–

–

–

21

13

9

2

–

–

–

–

Total

558

687

26

45

7

5

7

2

–

–

26

–

47

7

7

7

6

–

–

50

–

77

Compensation for 
loss of office

Total

2020
£000

–

166

–

–

–

–

–

–

166

2019
£000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2020
£000

128

278

128

108

33

38

52

32

2019
£000

173

165

161

138

–

47

83

42

797

809

*  John Roberts provides brewery consultancy services to the Group in relation to our seven microbreweries. The fees for these consultancy services 

are included within the Other column.

Directors interests
As at 27 December 2020 the Directors of the Company held the following number of shares:

The Directors share interest represents 4.5% of the ordinary shares in circulation.

Directors Share Interests

Rupert Clark

Ordinary 1p shares

Neil Griffiths

Ordinary 1p shares

Richard Prickett

Ordinary 1p shares

John Roberts

Ordinary 1p shares

Clive Watson

Ordinary 1p shares

Tarquin Williams

Ordinary 1p shares

2020

2019

608,039

568,039

54,632

10,000

74,130

59,562

430,005

347,648

3,348,156

2,707,345

291,412

291,412

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
30

Corporate Governance report cont’d
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020

Director’s Share Options

Director

Scheme

Rupert Clark

Total

Clive Watson

CSOP

JSOP

LTIP

CSOP

CSOP

JSOP

LTIP

Total

Tarquin Williams CSOP

CSOP

JSOP

LTIP

Total

TOTAL

As at 29
December 
2019

30,000

400,000

–

430,000

22,500

22,500

400,000

–

445,000

30,000

30,000

400,000

–

460,000

1,335,000

Exercised

Lapsed

Granted

As at 27 
December 
2020

Exercise
price

Date of 
grant

Exercisable
from

Expiry 
date

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

30,000

£1.00

May-16

May-19

May-26

400,000

£2.05

Jan-18

Jan-21

Jan-28

200,000

200,000

Nil

Jun-20

May-23

Jun-30

200,000

630,000

–

–

–

22,500

22,500

£1.00

May-16

May-19

May-26

£1.00

May-16

May-19

May-26

400,000

£2.05

Jan-18

Jan-21

Jan-28

– 1,000,000 1,000,000

Nil

Jun-20

May-23

Jun-30

– 1,000,000 1,445,000

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

30,000

30,000

£1.00

May-16

May-19

May-26

£1.00

May-16

May-19

May-26

400,000

£2.05

Jan-18

Jan-21

Jan-28

400,000

400,000

Nil

Jun-20

May-23

Jun-30

400,000

860,000

– 1,600,000 2,935,000

LTIP
The Company granted 2,100,000 nil cost options over ordinary shares of 1p each (“Ordinary Shares”) to certain Directors and 
employees of the Company (the “Options”) in June 2020.

The Options have been granted under the Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan, are exercisable in 2023 following release of the 
Company’s audited accounts for the year ended 25 December 2022, and are subject to performance conditions relating to the 
Company’s profitability.

The LTIPs have a performance hurdles that need to be met in order for any vesting of the LTIPs. If the 2022 Group adjusted pre 
IFRS16 EBITDA is below £4m, there will be no pay out. A full award will be made if the Group’s 2022 adjusted pre IFRS16 EBITDA is 
above £8m. 

Payments for Loss of Office
Following the termination of his employment on 10 November 2020, Alex Derrick received a lump sum payment of £166k for his 
salary in lieu of notice, less any deductions for tax and national insurance the Company was required to make.

The Corporate Governance Report was approved by the Board and signed on its behalf.

Richard Prickett
Independent Non-executive Director,  
10 May 2021

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020 
Directors’ report
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020

31

The Directors present their Report and the consolidated financial 
statements of the Group for the 52 week period ended 27 
December 2020.

Having successfully opened a large number of our sites through 
July and August 2020, it was very disappointing to be faced with 
another full closure for 4 weeks of November and then again in 
December for a full 4 months through to April 2021.

Results and dividends
The statement of comprehensive income is set out on page 37 
and shows the profit for the period. The Directors do not 
recommend the payment of a dividend this year due to the 
Coronavirus pandemic.

Strategic report 
Information in respect of the Business Review, Future Outlook of 
the Business and Principal Risks and Uncertainties are not 
shown in the Directors’ Report because they are presented in 
the Strategic Report in accordance with s414c(ii) of the 
Companies Act 2006.

Directors
The Directors who served during the year were as follows:

Clive Watson  
Rupert Clark 
Alex Derrick – Resigned 10 November 2020 
Tarquin Williams 
John Roberts 
Richard Prickett  
Neil Griffiths  
Toby Smith – Appointed 10 November 2020

Going concern 
The Group agreed a £35m revolving credit facility (RCF) with 
Barclays Bank plc in July 2019 with an accordion option of 
another £15m all on improved terms. This was initially a 3-year 
deal, but with the options to extend for two additional years, so 
taking the facility out to July 2024.

The impact of COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the pub 
sector, with the enforced closure of all pubs on 20 March 2020. 

The Board acted decisively to secure the appropriate liquidity 
for the business to endure a prolonged period of closure should 
that be mandated. £15m of new shares were placed with 
Institutional Shareholders and a further £7m was raised from 
existing shareholders in an open offer with total funds raised of 
£22m pre expenses, which was received in April 2020. This 
enabled the business to reduce its net debt by two thirds and as 
a result has significantly strengthened the Group’s balance 
sheet. At this time Barclays agreed to replace The City Pub 
Group plc’s RCF’s existing financial covenants with a Minimum 
Liquidity Test in the sum of £8m up to 30 June 2021.

During 2020, we reduced Pub and head office costs to the 
minimum whilst the pubs were closed. Some 99% of staff have 
been furloughed on the governments Job Retention Scheme 
during certain times of the year. The Directors took a voluntary 
50% pay cut from March 2020 until pubs reopened in July 2020 
and other head office salaries were reduced. We applied for 
Grants where applicable. The Group negotiated settlement 
discounts from some larger suppliers during the first lockdown, 
but at the same time ensured that smaller suppliers are paid in 
full. We have been in negotiations with landlords with regards to 
rent holidays, rent deferrals and changes in terms of some 
leases. The Group pursued a claim under our insurance policies 
where the Company benefits from a loss of trade clause in the 
event of an outbreak of a notifiable disease. This claim was 
eventually successful and we received a pay-out of £1m relating 
to this claim post the year end. 

With the second and third lockdowns and the uncertainty about 
any further future lockdowns, we decided to access funds via 
the Government’s Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan 
Scheme (CLBILS), via our bankers, Barclays. This was completed 
in March 2021 and we have an additional £5m of funding 
available to increase liquidity. Barclays again agreed to waive the 
RCF’s existing financial covenants through to June 2022. They 
have been replaced with the same Minimum Liquidity Test in the 
sum of £8m plus an additional Minimum EBITDA Test to be 
tested on a monthly basis, after which date the financial 
covenant tests as currently documented will recommence. We 
have significant headroom between our forecasts and the 
requirements in the Minimum EBITDA Test.

When making our assessment of going concern, our 
assumptions have included a reopening of half of the pubs 
during April 2021 with external trading only followed by more 
pub openings at the end of May 2021 with restrictions being 
relaxed and trading allowed indoors, but still with social 
distancing measures in place. We have assumed that by 2022 
trading gets back to pre Covid 19 levels. 

Based on the current financial projections to the end of January 
2023 and having considered the facilities available, together with 
potential sensitivities to changes in levels of trade (including 
further possible Covid 19 driven pub closures), the Board is 
confident that the Group have adequate resources to continue in 
operational existence for the foreseeable future, while also 
meeting its loan covenant requirements as they presently stand. 
For this reason, the Board consider it appropriate for the Group 
to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial 
statements. 

Should there be further prolonged enforced periods of closure 
due to Covid that may cast doubt on the Company’s ability to 
pass the new Minimum EBITDA Test, this gives rise to a possible 
material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt over the 
Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.

COVID-19 has created immense challenges to our sector but as 
a result of the Board’s quick actions to strengthen the balance 
sheet through share placing, decisive actions on cutting costs 
and the additional £5m CLBLS, the Board believes the Group has 
significantly mitigated the devastating effect that COVID-19 has 
had on the pub sector and that it has sufficient financial liquidity 
to see the Company through to well into 2023.

Purchase of own shares
There were no purchases of the Group’s shares during 
the period.

Other share capital movements are disclosed in Note 22.

Financial risk management objectives and policies
The Group’s operations expose it to financial risks that include 
market risk and liquidity risk. The Directors review and agree 
policies for managing each of these risks and they are 
summarised below. These policies have remained unchanged 
from previous periods.

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
32

Directors’ report cont’d
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020

Market risk – cash flow interest rate risk
The Group had outstanding borrowing at year end of £25 million 
as disclosed in note 20. These were loans had been taken out 
with Barclays to facilitate the purchase of public houses. 

The Group’s policy is to minimise interest rate cash flow risk 
exposures on long-term financing. Longer-term borrowings are 
therefore usually at fixed rates. At 27 December 2020 the Group 
had £25 million of borrowings, since the year end the Group has 
not drawn down on the revolving credit facility. The exposure to 
interest rates for the Group’s cash at bank and short-term 
deposits is considered immaterial.

Liquidity risk
The Group actively maintains cash and banking facilities that are 
designed to ensure it has sufficient available funds for operations 
and planned expansions.

Capital risk management
The Group manages its capital to ensure it will be able to 
continue as a going concern while maximising the return to 
shareholders through optimising the debt and equity balance. 

The Group monitors cash balances and prepare regular 
forecasts, which are reviewed by the board. In order to maintain 
or adjust the capital structure, the Group may, in the future, 
return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets 
to reduce debt.

Employment policy
The Group’s policies respect the individual regardless of gender, 
race or religion. Where reasonable and practical under the 
existing legislation, all persons, including disabled persons, 
have been treated fairly and consistently in matters relating to 
employment, training and career development. The Group takes 
a positive view of employee communication and has established 
systems for employee consultation and communication of 
developments. The Group has also commenced operating an 
employee share scheme as a means of further encouraging the 
employees in the Group’s performance.

Directors’ Responsibilities Statement
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic Report, 
Directors’ Report and the financial statements in accordance 
with applicable law and regulations. Company law requires the 
Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. 
Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare the 
financial statements in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union. 
Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial 
statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair 
view of the state of affairs of the Group and parent Company and 
the profit and loss of the Group for that period. In preparing 
those financial statements, the Directors are required to:

•  select suitable accounting policies and then apply them 

consistently;

•  make judgements and accounting estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent; 

•  state whether applicable IFRSs have been followed, subject to 

any material departures disclosed and explained in the 
financial statements; and

•  prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis 

unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will 
continue in business. 

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time 
the financial position of the Group and enable them to ensure 
that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 
2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of 
the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the 
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

So far as each of the Directors is aware, there is no relevant audit 
information that has not been disclosed to the Group’s auditors 
and each of the Directors believes that all steps have been taken 
that ought to have been taken to make them aware of any 
relevant audit information and to establish that the Group’s 
auditors have been made aware of that information.

Relations with Shareholders
The Group maintains effective contact with Shareholders and 
welcomes contact from investors as mentioned in the Chairman’s 
Statement. The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and 
integrity of the corporate and financial information included on 
the Group’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing 
the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may 
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

S172 Statement
The Directors behave and carry out their activities to promote 
the long-term success of the Group. More detail is shown in the 
Strategic Report.

Political donations
The Group made no political donations during the period.

Post balance sheet events 
Post balance sheet events requiring adjustment or disclosure 
are explained within note 29 to the financial statements.

Auditors
During the year we appointed new auditors, Haysmacintyre LLP, who 
have performed the 2020 audit and have signified their willingness to 
continue in office as auditors, a resolution reappointing them will be 
submitted to the Annual General Meeting.

On behalf of the Board

Tarquin Williams 
Chief Financial Officer 
10 May 2021

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020 
33

At the date of approval of the financial statements, the timing, 
extent and duration of potential future public health restrictions 
are inherently uncertain and remain a severe but plausible 
downside scenario. The Directors’ going concern assessment 
has noted that in the event of sufficiently severe public health 
restrictions, there is a risk that the Group’s and Parent Company’s 
EBITDA-derived loan covenant may be breached in the absence 
of a formal, binding commitment to waive or modify loan 
covenants from its lenders.

These events or conditions, along with other matters as set forth 
in note 2.5, indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may 
cast significant doubt on the Group and parent company’s ability 
to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified in 
respect of this matter. 

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the 
Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the 
preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. We agree 
that this conclusion is adequately disclosed in the Directors’ 
Report and the accounting policies. 

Our evaluation of the Directors’ assessment of the Group and 
Parent Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern 
basis of accounting included a consideration of the inherent 
risks to the Group’s business model and how such risks may 
impact the ability to continue operations during the period 
covered by the Directors’ going concern assessment, together 
with a review of the Group’s cash flow forecasts and projected 
loan covenant compliance calculations.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with 
respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections 
of this report.

An overview of the scope of our audit
For the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020, the Group 
undertook all its trading activities through the Parent Company, 
with all its subsidiaries remaining dormant for the same period, 
retaining only residual assets and liabilities. The scope of our 
work was therefore the audit of the Parent Company and its 
subsidiaries. The scope of the audit and our audit strategy was 
developed by using our audit planning process to obtain and 
update our understanding of the Group, its activities, its internal 
control environment, and likely future developments. Our audit 
testing was informed by this understanding of the Group and 
accordingly was designed to focus on areas where we assessed 
there to be the most significant risks of material misstatement.

Audit work to respond to the assessed risks was performed 
directly by the audit engagement team who performed full 
scope audit procedures on the Parent Company and the Group 
as a whole. 

Independent auditor’s report
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020

Independent auditor’s report to the 
members of The City Pub Group Plc
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of The City Pub Group 
Plc (the ‘Parent Company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) for the 
52 week period ended 27 December 2020 which comprise the 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated 
and Company Statements of Financial Position, Consolidated and 
Company Statements of Changes in Equity, the Consolidated and 
Company Statements of Cash Flows and notes to the financial 
statements, including a summary of significant accounting 
policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied 
in their preparation is applicable law and International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

In our opinion, the financial statements:

•  give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the 
Parent Company’s affairs as at 27 December 2020 and of the 
group’s loss for the period then ended;

•   have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as 

adopted by the European Union; and

•  have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of 

the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International 
Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our 
responsibilities under those standards are further described in 
the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
statements section of our report. We are independent of the 
group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are 
relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, 
including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed entities, 
and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in 
accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit 
evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to 
provide a basis for our opinion.

Material uncertainty relating to going concern  
– Group and Parent Company
We draw attention to note 2.5 of the financial statements, which 
outlines uncertainty related to compliance with loan covenants 
associated with the Group’s and Parent Company’s Revolving 
Credit Facility in the event that future public health restrictions 
are imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Directors’ concluded it was appropriate to prepare the 
financial statements on a going concern basis as a result of their 
assessment, which included the preparation of cash flow 
projections running to January 2023. These projections are based 
on expected trading performance, including normalisation of 
trading conditions related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As stated in note 2.5, the Directors’ going concern assessment 
has projected compliance with minimum EBITDA and other loan 
covenants to the end of the waiver period in June 2022, while 
also noting that the Group and Parent Company has previously 
obtained loan covenant waivers or modifications when 
government imposed public health restrictions have disrupted 
trading activities. However, further waivers are not guaranteed.

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS34

Independent auditor’s report cont’d
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020

Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial 
statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to 
fraud) we identified, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the allocation of resources in the 
audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial 
statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. In addition to 
going concern, described in the material uncertainty related to going concern section above, we determined the matters described 
below to be the key audit matters to be communicated in our report. 

Key Audit Matter

How our scope addressed this matter

Valuation of freehold and leasehold 
property
For the period ended 27 December 2020, 
management assessed for indicators of 
impairment in each of the cash-
generating units (CGU’s) which is each of 
its operating sites. This included the 
allocation of goodwill and right of use 
asset values to freehold and leasehold 
property in full.

The process for measuring and 
recognising impairment under 
International Accounting Standard (IAS) 
36 ‘Impairment of Assets’ is complex and 
highly judgemental.

Significant management judgement and 
estimation uncertainty is involved in 
this area.

Given the value of the tangible fixed 
assets and the impact of trading 
restrictions due to Covid-19 we consider 
this to be a significant risk and a key 
audit matter. 

First time adoption of IFRS 16
IFRS 16 is applicable to financial 
statements with accounting period ends 
commencing on or after 1 January 2019 
and requires lessees to account for leases 
‘on-balance sheet’ by recognising a 
‘right-of-use’ asset and a lease liability.

This is a complex accounting standard, 
requiring significant elements of 
judgement and applies to highly material 
areas of the financial statements. Also as 
a result of the first-time adoption there is 
increased complexity and a further 
increased risk of material misstatement.

We therefore identified the adoption of 
IFRS 16 as a significant risk, and a key 
audit matter.

Our audit work included, but was not restricted to the following:

•  The assessment of Management’s impairment review process and the consideration 

and challenge of Managements’ assumptions.

•  The review of each cash generating unit for indicators of impairment and assessment 

of whether all sites showing risk indicators were considered in the impairment 
assessment.

•  The verification of the arithmetical accuracy and integrity of the value in use model 

prepared by Management.

•  The review and assessment of cash flows as forecast by Management and as used in 

their calculations of the value in use of the assets.

•  The assessment and challenge of assumptions used in the impairment calculation with 

reference to data such as historic results, market trends and future expectations.

•  The assessment of the appropriateness of the growth and discount rates used by 
Management and the challenge of Management of those that fell outside of our 
expectations.

•  The assessment of whether disclosures made in the financial statement relating to 

impairments are appropriate.

Our audit work included, but was not restricted to:

•  Reviewing Management’s adoption and accounting for IFRS 16.

•  The assessment of whether disclosures made in the financial statement relating to 

IFRS 16 are appropriate.

•  Testing Management’s model for the transition to IFRS 16 including, the consideration 

of the model used, the challenge of judgements and estimates applied in the 
calculations, the assessment of the incremental cost of borrowing rates applied and 
the practical expedients that were taken were in accordance with the accounting 
standard.

•  Verifying the arithmetical accuracy and integrity of the transition model.

•  Testing that key terms have been accurately extracted from the lease agreements and 

inputted into the model.

•  The performance of procedures to assess completeness to consider whether all 

applicable leases have been appropriately identified.

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202035

Our application of materiality
The materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole 
was set at £280,000. This was determined as being 5% of draft 
operating loss before taxation. Operating loss before taxation 
has been selected as a benchmark because it is a Key 
Performance Indicator of the Group and stakeholders are 
principally interested in the underlying performance of 
the group.

We have determined Parent Company materiality to be the same 
level as the Group because it undertakes all the Group’s trading 
activities following a hive up of activities from its subsidiaries 
during the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019.

On the basis of our risk assessment and review of the Group’s 
control environment, performance materiality was set at 75% of 
materiality, being £210,000.

The reporting threshold to the audit committee was set as 5% of 
materiality, being £14,000. If, in our opinion in differences below 
this level warranted reporting on qualitative grounds, these 
would also be reported.

Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The 
other information comprises the information included in the 
annual report, other than the financial statements and our 
auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements 
does not cover the other information and, except to the extent 
otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any 
form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our 
responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, 
consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent 
with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the 
audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we 
identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material 
misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a 
material misstatement in the financial statements or a material 
misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we 
have performed, we conclude that there is a material 
misstatement of this other information, we are required to report 
that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies 
Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of 
the audit:

•  the information given in the strategic report and the directors’ 
report for the financial year for which the financial statements 
are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

•  the strategic report and the directors’ report have been 

prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group 
and the parent company and its environment obtained in the 
course of the audit, we have not identified material 
misstatements in the strategic report or the directors’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in 
relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report 
to you if, in our opinion:

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the 

parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not 
been received from branches not visited by us; or

•  the parent company financial statements are not in agreement 

with the accounting records and returns; or

•  certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law 

are not made; or

•  we have not received all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit.

Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities 
statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of 
the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a 
true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors 
determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial 
statements that are free from material misstatement, whether 
due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are 
responsible for assessing the group’s and the parent company’s 
ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, 
matters related to going concern and using the going concern 
basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate 
the group or the parent company or to cease operations, or have 
no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the 
financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about 
whether the financial statements as a whole are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to 
issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable 
assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that 
an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always 
detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements 
can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, 
individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be 
expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on 
the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance 
with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our 
responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material 
misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The 
extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting 
irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered 
capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud. 
Based on our understanding of the company and industry, we 
identified that the principal risks of noncompliance with laws and 
regulations related to regulatory requirements in respect of 
employment law, including but not limited to minimum wage 
regulation, foods standards requirements, and alcohol licencing. 

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS36

Independent auditor’s report cont’d
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020

We considered the extent to which non-compliance might have 
a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered 
those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the 
preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies 
Act 2006, income tax, payroll tax and sales tax. 

We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for 
fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including 
the risk of override of controls) and determined that the principal 
risks were related to posting inappropriate manual journal 
entries to revenue and the risk of management bias in 
accounting estimates. Audit procedures performed by the 
engagement team included: 

 – Discussions with management including consideration of 

known or suspected instances of noncompliance with laws 
and regulation and fraud; 

 – The evaluation of management’s controls designed to prevent 

and detect irregularities; 

 – The identification and review of manual journals, in particular 

journal entries which shared key risk characteristics; and 

 – The review and challenge of assumptions, estimates and 
judgements made by management in their recognition of 
accounting estimates.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the 
financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting 
Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. 
This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Use of our report
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, 
in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 
2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might 
state to the company’s members those matters we are required 
to state to them in an Auditor’s report and for no other purpose. 
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or 
assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and 
the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this 
report, or for the opinions we have formed

Christopher Cork
(Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Haysmacintyre LLP, Statutory Auditors

10 Queen Street Place
London
EC4R 1AG

10 May 2021

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 (2019: for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019)

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Other operating income

Administrative expenses

Operating (loss)/profit

Reconciliation to adjusted EBITDA*

Operating (loss)/profit

Depreciation

Share option charge

Exceptional items

*  Adjusted earnings before exceptional items, share option charge,
  interest, taxation and depreciation

Finance costs

(Loss)/profit before tax

Tax credit/(expense)

(Loss)/profit for the period and total comprehensive income

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share (p)

Diluted earnings per share (p)

All activities comprise continuing operations.

Notes

4

4a

5

5

27

8

6

7

10

10

37

2019 
£’000

60,028

(15,165)

44,863

–

(42,339)

2,524

2020 
£’000

25,815

(6,280)

19,535

5,391

(31,423)

(6,497)

(6,497)

2,524

5,494

397

1,814

1,208

(1,137)

(7,634)

1,171

(6,463)

(7.15)

n/a

3,407

274

2,861

9,066

(321)

2,203

(891)

1,312

2.20

2.19

There are no recognised gains or losses other than those passing through the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. 
The notes form part of these financial statements.

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS38

Consolidated statement of financial position
as at 27 December 2020 (2019: as at 29 December 2019)

Assets

Non-current

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use assets

Deferred tax assets

Financial assets at fair value through OCI

Total non-current assets

Current

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Financial liabilities – lease liabilities

Total current liabilities

Non-current

Borrowings

Other payables

Financial liabilities – lease liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Share capital

Share premium

Own shares (JSOP)

Other reserve

Share-based payment reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity

The notes form part of these accounts. 

Approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 10 May 2021.

Notes

2020 
£’000

2019 
£’000

11

12

13

23

14

16

17

18

13

20

19

13

23

24

24

24

24

24

24

3,796

108,059

19,565

503

1,309

4,136

110,914

–

–

–

133,232

115,050

703

3,064

12,331

16,098

1,220

3,406

2,769

7,395

149,330

122,445

(8,430)

(2,103)

(10,533)

(24,801)

–

(17,750)

(2,181)

(44,732)

(55,265)

94,065

31,275

59,303

(3,272)

92

1,374

5,293

94,065

(9,027)

–

(9,027)

(32,310)

(50)

(2,123)

(34,483)

(43,510)

78,935

30,812

38,570

(3,272)

92

977

11,756

78,935

Clive Watson 
Chairman 

Company No. 07814568 

Tarquin Williams
  Chief Financial Officer

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020 
 
 
 
 
Company statement of financial position
as at 27 December 2020 (2019: as at 29 December 2019)

Assets

Non-current

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use assets

Deferred tax assets

Financial assets at fair value through OCI

Investments in subsidiaries

Total non-current assets

Current

Inventories

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Total current assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Financial liabilities – lease liabilities

Total current liabilities

Non-current

Borrowings

Other payables

Financial liabilities – lease liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Share capital

Share premium

Own shares (JSOP)

Share-based payment reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity

39

Notes

2020 
£’000

2019 
£’000

11

12

13

23

14

15

16

17

18

13

20

19

13

23

24

24

24

24

24

3,796

108,059

19,565

503

1,309

1,067

134,299

703

3,064

12,331

16,098

150,397

(9,497)

(2,103)

(11,600)

(24,801)

–

(17,750)

(2,181)

(44,732)

(56,332)

94,065

31,275

59,303

(3,272)

1,374

5,385

94,065

4,136

110,914

–

–

–

12,730

127,780

1,220

3,406

2,769

7,395

135,175

(24,542)

–

(24,542)

(32,310)

(50)

(2,123)

(34,483)

(59,025)

76,150

30,812

38,570

(3,272)

977

9,063

76,150

The loss for the financial period of the Parent Company, The City Pub Group plc was £3,678,000 (2019: profit £6,921,000). The notes 
form part of these accounts. Approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 10 May 2021.

Clive Watson 
Chairman 

Company No. 07814568 

Tarquin Williams
  Chief Financial Officer

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
40

Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 

Balance at 30 December 2018

Employee share-based 
compensation

Issue of new shares

Dividends

Transactions with owners

Profit for the period

Total comprehensive income  
for the period

Notes

Share 
capital

Share
premium

30,651

38,287

Own 
shares
(JSOP)

(3,272)

Share-
based
payment
reserve

Other 
reserve

Retained
earnings

Total

92

703

12,077

78,538

27

24

9

–

161

–

161

–

–

–

283

–

283

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

274

–

–

274

–

–

–

–

(1,633)

(1,633)

274

444

(1,633)

(915)

1,312

1,312

1,312

1,312

Balance at 29 December 2019

30,812

38,570

(3,272)

92

977

11,756

78,935

Employee share-based 
compensation

Issue of new shares

Transactions with owners

Loss for the period

Total comprehensive income  
for the period

27

24

–

463

463

–

–

–

20,733

20,733

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

397

–

397

–

–

–

–

–

397

21,196

21,593

(6,463)

(6,463)

(6,463)

(6,463)

Balance at 27 December 2020

31,275

59,303

(3,272)

92

1,374

5,293

94,065

The notes form part of these accounts.

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020Company statement of changes in equity
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020

41

Balance at 30 December 2018

Employee share-based compensation

Issue of new shares

Transfer of share-based payment  
reserve on hive-up

Dividends

Transactions with owners

Profit for the period

Total comprehensive income for the period

Balance at 29 December 2019

Employee share-based compensation

Issue of new shares

Transactions with owners

Loss for the period

Total comprehensive income for the period

Notes

Share 
capital

Share
premium

30,651

38,287

Own 
shares 
(JSOP)

(3,272)

Share-
based
payment
reserve

Retained
earnings

Total

575

3,903

70,144

27

24

24

9

27

24

–

161

–

–

161

–

–

–

283

–

–

283

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

274

–

128

–

402

–

–

–

–

(128)

(1,633)

(1,761)

6,921

6,921

274

444

–

(1,633)

(915)

6,921

6,921

30,812

38,570

(3,272)

977

9,063

76,150

–

463

463

–

–

–

20,733

20,733

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

397

–

397

–

–

–

–

–

397

21,196

21,593

(3,678)

(3,678)

(3,678)

(3,678)

Balance at 27 December 2020

31,275

59,303

(3,272)

1,374

5,385

94,065

The notes form part of these accounts.

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS42

Consolidated statement of cash flows
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 (2019: for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019)

Cash flows from operating activities

(Loss)/profit for the period

Taxation

Finance costs

Operating (loss)/profit

Adjustments for:

Depreciation 

Gain on disposal of property, plant & equipment

Share-based payment charge

Impairment

Change in inventories

Change in trade and other receivables

Change in trade and other payables

Cash generated from operations

Tax paid

Net cash from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Acquisition of new property sites

Purchase of investments

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from issue of share capital

Repayment of borrowings

Dividends paid

Principal element of lease payments

Proceeds from new borrowings

Interest paid (includes implied interest under IFRS16)

Net cash from financing activities

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the period

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

The notes form part of these accounts.

Notes

7

6

5

27

12

12

14

24

9

20

6

2020 
£’000

(6,463)

(1,171)

1,137

(6,497)

5,494

–

397

933

517

1,055

(258)

1,641

(341)

1,300

(2,304)

–

(1,309)

821

(2,792)

21,196

(7,544)

–

(1,347)

–

(1,251)

11,054

9,562

2,769

12,331

2019 
£’000

1,312

891

321

2,524

3,407

(1)

274

1,914

(260)

(778)

(43)

7,037

(601)

6,436

(14,949)

(10,532)

–

50

(25,431)

218

–

(1,406)

–

20,695

(596)

18,911

(84)

2,853

2,769

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020Company statement of cash flows
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 (2019: for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019)

Cash flows from operating activities

(Loss)/profit for the period

Taxation

Finance costs

Operating (loss)/profit

Adjustments for:

Depreciation 

Realised gain on final hive-up dividend

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Share-based payment charge

Impairment

Change in inventories

Change in trade and other receivables

Change in trade and other payables

Cash generated from operations

Tax paid

Net cash generated from in operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

Acquisition of new property sites

Purchase of investments

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment

Net cash hived up from other Group undertakings

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from issue of share capital

Repayment of borrowings

Dividends paid

Principal element of lease payments

Proceeds from new borrowings

Interest paid

Net cash from financing activities

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the period

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

The notes form part of these accounts.

Notes

5

12

14

12

2020 
£’000

(3,678)

(1,171)

1,137

(3,712)

5,494

(2,785)

–

397

933

517

1,055

(258)

1,641

(341)

1,300

(2,304)

–

(1,309)

821

–

(2,792)

21,196

(7,544)

–

(1,347)

–

(1,251)

11,054

9,562

2,769

12,331

43

2019 
£’000

6,921

669

231

7,821

2,664

–

(1)

274

1,914

(339)

(2,714)

(948)

8,671

(280)

8,391

(7,415)

(10,532)

–

50

1,473

(16,424)

218

–

(1,406)

–

10,195

(451)

8,556

523

2,246

2,769

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS44

Notes to the financial statements
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 (2019: for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019)

1   Company information

The financial statements of The City Pub Group plc (as consolidated “the Group”) for the 52 week period ended 27 December 
2020 were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the directors on 10 May 2021. The Company is a public limited 
company incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The Company number is 07814568 and the registered office is located at Essel 
House 2nd Floor, 29 Foley Street, London, England, W1W 7TH.

The Group’s principal activity is the management and operation of public houses. Information on the Company’s ultimate 
controlling party and other related party relationships is provided in Note 29.

Exemption from audit
For the period ended 27 December 2020 the subsidiaries are exempt from audit under section 480 of the Companies Act 2006. 

2   Significant accounting policies
2.1   Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis and under the historical cost convention, unless otherwise 
stated. There is no material difference between the fair value of financial assets and liabilities and their carrying amount.

The Company undertook a common control combination during the prior period before listing on AIM. These consolidated 
financial statements have been prepared using the predecessor value method, which is described in 2.4 below.

The financial statements are presented in Great British Pounds and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds 
except when otherwise indicated. 

As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, no separate income statement is presented in respect of the Parent 
Company.

2.2  Statement of Compliance 

The financial statements of the Company and Group are prepared in accordance with applicable International Financial 
Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union. 

2.3   New and Revised Standards 

IFRS applied for the first time in the current financial statements
This note explains the impact of the adoption of IFRS 16 “Leases” on the Group’s financial statements and discloses the new 
accounting policy adopted in relation to Government grants, which have been received for the first time as a result of COVID-19, 
that have been applied since 30 December 2019.

IFRS 16, “Leases”
This section explains the impact of the adoption of IFRS 16 “Leases” on the Group’s financial statements.

The Group has adopted IFRS 16 “Leases” and has opted to adopt the standard using the modified retrospective approach as at 
30 December 2019 and as a result has not restated comparative for the 2019 report period. The reclassifications and the 
adjustments arising from the new leasing rules are therefore recognised in the opening balance sheet on 30 December 2019. 
The new accounting policies are disclosed within the “Leases” policy below.

On adoption of IFRS 16, the Group recognised lease liabilities in relation to leases which had previously been classified as 
‘operating leases’ under the principles of IAS 17 Leases. These liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining 
lease payments, discounted using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate as of 30 December 2019. The weighted average 
lessee’s incremental borrowing rate applied to the lease liabilities on 30 December 2019 ranged from 3.0% to 3.7% depending on 
the length of the lease. There were no leases previously classified as finance leases and no onerous leases recognised.

(i)  Practical expedients applied
In applying IFRS 16 for the first time, the Group has used the following practical expedients permitted by the standard:

•  excluding leases which are considered to be low value leases (<£3,000)

•  accounting for operating leases with a remaining lease term of less than 12 months as at 30 December 2019 as short-term 

leases

The Group has also elected not to reassess whether a contract is, or contains, a lease at the date of initial application. Instead, for 
contracts entered into before the transition date the Group relied on its assessment made applying IAS 17 and Interpretation 4 
Determining whether an Arrangement contains a Lease.

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202045

Following the publication on the amendment to IFRS 16 in relation to rent concessions, the Group has applied the practical 
expedient in all cases where relevant conditions were met. Changes in leases which do not fulfil the criteria of the practical 
expedient have been treated as additions or disposals in line with normal IFRS 16 accounting.

The treatment of rent concessions granted during the period was to recognise them immediately within the profit and loss.

(ii)  Measurement of lease liabilities

Operating lease commitments disclosed as at 29 December 2019

Discounted using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate at the date of initial application

Less: discounted element on adoption

Lease liability recognised as at 30 December 2019

Of which are:

Current lease liabilities

Non-current lease liabilities

Group & Company
29 Dec 2019 
£’000

28,294

22,021

(979)

21,042

2,083

18,959

21,042

(iii)  Measurement of right-of-use assets
The associated right-of-use assets were measured on a retrospective basis as if the new rules had always been applied. The 
right-of-use assets were measured at the amount equal to the lease liability, adjusted by the amount of any prepaid or accrued 
lease payments relating to that lease recognised in the balance sheet as at 29 December 2019. There were no onerous lease 
contracts that would have required an adjustment to the right-of-use assets at the date of initial application.

(iv)	 Adjustments	recognised	in	the	statement	of	financial	position	on	30	December	2019
The change in accounting policy affected the following items in the Group and Company balance sheets on 30 December 2019:

•  Right-of-use assets – increased by £21,042,000; and

•  Lease liabilities – increased by £21,042,000.

The net impact on retained earnings on 30 December 2019 was £nil (Parent Company: £nil).

Government Grants
The Group has received Government grants for the first time during the period ended 27 December 2020, mainly in relation to 
the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) provided by the Government in response to COVID-19’s impact on our business. 
The Group has elected to account for these grants as other operating income, rather than to off-set the Government grants 
within administrative expenses, so that the gross impact is disclosed on the face of the Statement of Comprehensive Income. 

Total Government grants included as other operating income total £5,391,000 (2019: £nil).

IFRS in issue but not applied in the current financial statements
The following IFRS and IFRIC Interpretations have been issued but have not been applied by the Group in preparing these 
financial statements, as they are not as yet effective. The Group intends to adopt these Standards and Interpretations when they 
become effective, rather than adopt them early.

•  IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors 

(Amendment – Definition of Material) 

•  IFRS 3 Business Combinations (Amendment – Definition of Business)

•  Revised Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting

The Directors are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of all other standards, amendments and interpretations but do 
not expect them to have a material impact on the Group operation or results.

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS46

Notes to the financial statements
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 (2019: for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019)

2   Significant accounting policies continued 
2.4   Predecessor value method

During the period ended 31 December 2017 the Company undertook a common control combination, through the issue of new 
Ordinary Shares, B-Ordinary Shares and Convertible Preference Shares in exchange for 100% of the Ordinary Shares, B Ordinary 
Shares and Convertible Preference Shares of The City Pub Company (West) Limited an entity under common control. The 
Directors considered the business combination to be a common control combination, as the combining entities were ultimately 
controlled by the same parties both before and after the combination and the common control was not transitory. As a common 
control combination, the transaction was outside the scope of IFRS 3 (“Business Combinations”) and the Directors therefore 
considered the nature of the transaction, which was eligible for Merger Relief under the Companies Act, and decided that the 
predecessor value method would be most appropriate for preparing those and subsequent Group financial statements.

The predecessor value method involves accounting for the assets and liabilities of the acquired business using existing carrying 
values rather than at fair values, as a result no goodwill arose on the combination. The use of the predecessor value method 
gave rise to an “other reserve”, which represents the share premium of the subsidiary entity on consolidation.

The financial results of subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial information from the date that control commences 
until the date that control ceases. The consolidated financial information presents the results of the companies within the same 
group. Intra-group balances and transactions, and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, 
are eliminated in preparing the consolidated financial information.

2.5  Going concern

The Group agreed a £35m revolving credit facility (RCF) with Barclays Bank plc in July 2019 with an accordion option of another 
£15m all on improved terms. This was initially a 3-year deal, but with the options to extend for two additional years, so taking the 
facility out to July 2024.

The impact of COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the pub sector, with the enforced closure of all pubs on 20 March 2020. 

The Board acted decisively to secure the appropriate liquidity for the business to endure a prolonged period of closure should 
that be mandated. £15m of new shares were placed with Institutional Shareholders and a further £7m was raised from existing 
shareholders in an open offer with total funds raised of £22m pre expenses, which was received in April 2020. This enabled the 
business to reduce its net debt by two thirds and as a result has significantly strengthened the Group’s balance sheet. At this time 
Barclays agreed to replace The City Pub Group plc’s RCF’s existing financial covenants with a Minimum Liquidity Test in the sum 
of £8m up to 30 June 2021.

During 2020, we reduced Pub and head office costs to the minimum whilst the pubs were closed. Some 99% of staff have been 
furloughed on the governments Job Retention Scheme during certain times of the year. The Directors took a voluntary 50% pay 
cut from March 2020 until pubs reopened in July 2020 and other head office salaries were reduced. We applied for Grants where 
applicable. The Group negotiated settlement discounts from some larger suppliers during the first lockdown, but at the same 
time ensured that smaller suppliers are paid in full. We have been in negotiations with landlords with regards to rent holidays, 
rent deferrals and changes in terms of some leases. The Group pursued a claim under our insurance policies where the 
Company benefits from a loss of trade clause in the event of an outbreak of a notifiable disease. This claim was eventually 
successful and we received a pay-out of £1m relating to this claim post the year end. 

Having successfully opened a large number of our sites through July and August 2020, it was very disappointing to be faced 
with another full closure for 4 weeks of November and then again in December for a full 4 months through to April 2021.

With the second and third lockdowns and the uncertainty about any further future lockdowns, we decided to access funds via 
the Government’s Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), via our bankers, Barclays. This was 
completed in March 2021 and we have an additional £5m of funding available to increase liquidity. Barclays again agreed to 
waive the RCF’s existing financial covenants through to June 2022. They have been replaced with the same Minimum Liquidity 
Test in the sum of £8m plus an additional Minimum EBITDA Test to be tested on a monthly basis, after which date the financial 
covenant tests as currently documented will recommence. We have significant headroom between our forecasts and the 
requirements in the Minimum EBITDA Test.

When making our assessment of going concern, our assumptions have included a reopening of half of the pubs during April 
2021 with external trading only followed by more pub openings at the end of May 2021 with restrictions being relaxed and trading 
allowed indoors, but still with social distancing measures in place. We have assumed that by 2022 trading gets back to pre Covid 
19 levels. 

Based on the current financial projections to the end of January 2023 and having considered the facilities available, together with 
potential sensitivities to changes in levels of trade (including further possible Covid 19 driven pub closures), the Board is 
confident that the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, while also 
meeting its loan covenant requirements as they presently stand. For this reason, the Board consider it appropriate for the Group 
to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements. 

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202047

Should there be further prolonged enforced periods of closure due to Covid that may cast doubt on the Company’s ability to 
pass the new Minimum EBITDA Test, this gives rise to a possible material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt over the 
Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.

COVID-19 has created immense challenges to our sector but as a result of the Board’s quick actions to strengthen the balance 
sheet through share placing, decisive actions on cutting costs and the additional £5m CLBLS, the Board believes the Group has 
significantly mitigated the devastating effect that COVID-19 has had on the pub sector and that it has sufficient financial liquidity 
to see the Company through to well into 2023. 

2.6  Revenue

Revenue represents external sales (excluding taxes) of goods and services net of discounts. Revenue is recognised to the extent 
that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is 
measured at the fair value of the consideration receivable net of trade discounts and VAT. 

Revenue principally consists of drink, food and accommodation sales, which are recognised at the point at which goods and 
services are provided and rental income which is recognised on a straight line basis over the lease term. Revenue for bedroom 
accommodation is recognised at the point the services are rendered. Loyalty card revenue is immaterial and therefore no 
change in accounting policy is considered necessary. 

2.7  Cost of sales

Costs considered to be directly related to revenue are accounted for as cost of sales. Costs of goods sold are determined on the 
basis of the cost of purchase, adjusted for movements of inventories. Cost of services rendered is recognised at the time the 
revenue is recognised.

2.8  Operating profit

Operating profit is revenue less operating costs. Revenue is as detailed above and as shown in note 4. Operating costs are all 
costs excluding finance costs, costs associated with the disposal of properties and the tax charge.

2.9  Exceptional items

The Group presents as exceptional items those significant items of income and expense which, because of their size, nature and 
infrequency of the events giving rise to them merit separate presentation to allow Shareholders to understand better the 
elements of financial performance in the period, so as to facilitate comparison with prior periods to assess trends in financial 
performance more readily. These items are primarily pre-opening costs (including acquisition costs) and non-recurring costs, 
which are not expected to recur at a particular site. 

2.10 Finance income and expense

Finance income is recognised as interest accrues (using the effective interest method) on funds invested outside the Group. 
Finance expense includes the cost of borrowing from third parties and is recognised on an effective interest rate basis, resulting 
from the financial liability being recognised on an amortised cost basis, including commitment fees. Borrowing costs directly 
attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are capitalised during the period of time that is 
necessary to complete and prepare the asset for its intended use or sale. 

2.11  Taxation and deferred taxation

The income tax expense or income for the period is the tax payable on the current period’s taxable income. This is based on the 
national income tax rate enacted or substantively enacted with any adjustment relating to tax payable in previous years and 
changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities 
and their carrying amounts in the Financial Statements.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognised for temporary differences at the tax rates expected to be applicable when the 
asset or liability crystallises based on current tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the 
reporting date. The relevant tax rates are applied to the cumulative amounts of deductible and taxable temporary differences to 
measure the deferred tax asset or liability. 

A deferred tax asset is regarded as recoverable and therefore recognised only when, on the basis of all available evidence, it can 
be regarded as more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable profits against which to recover carried forward tax losses 
and from which the future reversal of temporary differences can be deducted. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets are 
reviewed at each reporting date.

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS48

Notes to the financial statements
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 (2019: for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019)

2   Significant accounting policies continued
2.12  Financial instruments

Recognition, initial measurement and derecognition
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the 
financial instrument and are measured initially at fair value adjusted for transaction costs. Subsequent measurement of financial 
assets and financial liabilities is described below.

Financial assets are derecognised when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire, or when the 
financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards are transferred. A financial liability is derecognised when it is 
extinguished, discharged, cancelled or expires.

Classification and subsequent measurement of financial assets
For the purpose of subsequent measurement the Group classifies its financial assets into the following categories: those to be 
measured subsequently at fair value (either through other comprehensive income (FVOCI) or through the income statement 
(FVPL)) and those to be held at amortised cost.

Classification depends on the business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual terms of the cash flows.

Management determines the classification of financial assets at initial recognition. The Group’s policy with regard to financial risk 
management is set out in note 21. Generally, the Group does not acquire financial assets for the purpose of selling in the short 
term and does not have any financial assets measured at fair value through the income statement (FVPL) in either the current or 
prior year.

The Group’s business model is primarily that of “hold to collect” (where assets are held in order to collect contractual cash flows). 

Financial assets held at amortised cost
This classification applies to the Group’s trade & other receivables which are held under a hold to collect business model and 
which have cash flows that meet the solely payments of principal and interest (SPPI) criteria. At initial recognition, trade and other 
receivables that do not have a significant financing component, are recognised at their transaction price. Other financial assets 
are initially recognised at fair value plus related transaction costs; they are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the 
effective interest method. Any gain or loss on derecognition or modification of a financial asset held at amortised cost is 
recognised in the income statement.

Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI)
The Group accounts for financial assets at FVOCI if the assets meet the following conditions:

•  they are held under a business model whose objective it is “hold to collect” the associated cash flows and 

•  the contractual terms of the financial assets give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the 

principal amount outstanding.

The Group has opted to classify financial assets which are investments in equity instruments as financial assets at fair value 
through other comprehensive income.

Any gains or losses recognised in other comprehensive income (OCI) will be recycled upon derecognition of the asset.

Impairment of financial assets
A forward-looking expected credit loss (ECL) review is required for: debt instruments measured at amortised cost or held at fair 
value through other comprehensive income; loan commitments and financial guarantees not measured at fair value through 
profit or loss; lease receivables and trade receivables that give rise to an unconditional right to consideration. 

IFRS 9’s impairment requirements use more forward-looking information to recognise expected credit losses – the “expected 
credit loss (ECL) model”. This replaces IAS 39’s “incurred loss model”. The Group’s instruments within the scope of the new 
requirements included trade and other receivables.

Recognition of credit losses is no longer dependent on the Group first identifying a credit loss event. Instead the Group considers 
a broader range of information when assessing credit risk and measuring expected credit losses, including past events, current 
conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the expected collectability of the future cash flows of the 
instrument.

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202049

As permitted by IFRS 9, the Group applies the “simplified approach” to trade and other receivable balances and the “general 
approach” to all other financial assets. The simplified approach in accounting for trade and other receivables records the loss 
allowance as lifetime expected credit losses. These are the expected shortfalls in contractual cash flows, considering the 
potential for default at any point during the life of the financial instrument. In calculating, the Group uses its historical experience, 
external indicators and forward-looking information to calculate the expected credit losses. The general approach incorporates 
a review for any significant increase in counterparty credit risk since inception. The ECL reviews include assumptions about the 
risk of default and expected loss rates. 

The nature of the Group’s trade and other receivables are such that the expected credit loss is immaterial in the current and prior 
year, therefore no additional disclosures are considered necessary within the credit risk section of note 21.

Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand and other short term highly liquid deposits with original maturities 
of three months or less.

Classification and subsequent measurement of financial liabilities
The Group’s financial liabilities include trade and certain other payables. Financial liabilities are measured subsequently at 
amortised cost using the effective interest rate.

Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method. These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Group prior to the end of the 
financial period, which are unpaid.

Borrowings
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at 
amortised cost; any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in profit 
or loss over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method.

Classification of Shares as Debt or Equity
When shares are issued, any component that creates a financial liability of the Group is presented as a liability in the statement 
of financial position; measured initially at fair value net of transaction costs and thereafter at amortised cost until extinguished on 
conversion or redemption. The corresponding dividends relating to the liability component are charged as interest expense in 
the Income Statement. The initial fair value of the liability component is determined using a market rate for an equivalent liability 
without a conversion feature.

The remainder of the proceeds on issue is allocated to the equity component and included in shareholders’ equity, net of 
transaction costs.

The carrying amount of the equity component is not remeasured in subsequent years. The Group’s ordinary shares are classified 
as equity instruments. For the purposes of the disclosures given in note 24, the Group considers its capital to comprise its 
ordinary share capital, share premium and accumulated retained earnings. There have been no changes to what the Group 
considers to be capital since the prior year.

Share repurchases
Where shares are repurchased wholly out of the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for that purpose, no amount needs to 
be transferred to a capital redemption reserve as there is no reduction in capital as a result of the purchase and issue of shares. 

2.13  Business combinations and goodwill

Other than the group re-organisation that took place prior to Listing, business combinations, which include sites that are 
operating as a going concern at acquisition and where substantive processes are acquired, are accounted for under IFRS 3 using 
the purchase method. Any excess of the consideration of the business combination over the interest in the net fair value of the 
identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities is recognised in the statement of financial position as goodwill and is not 
amortised. To the extent that the net fair value of the acquired entity’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities is 
greater than the cost of the investment, a gain is recognised immediately in the profit or loss.

Goodwill represents the future economic benefits arising from a business combination that are not individually identified and 
separately recognised. Goodwill is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Refer to Note 11 for a description of 
impairment testing procedures.

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS50

Notes to the financial statements
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 (2019: for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019)

2   Significant accounting policies continued
2.14  Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment, other than freehold land, are stated at cost or deemed cost less accumulated depreciation and 
any impairment in value. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each 
asset over its expected useful life, with effect from the first full year of ownership, as follows:

Freehold properties  
Leasehold properties 
Fixtures, fittings and equipment 
Computer equipment 

To residual value over fifty years straight line 
Straight line over the length of the lease 
Between four and ten years straight line 
Between two and five years straight line

No depreciation is charged on freehold land. Where there is no depreciation on historic freehold buildings as a result of a high 
residual value/long useful lives, the freehold building is subject to an impairment review. Residual values and useful lives are 
reviewed every year and adjusted if appropriate at each financial period end.

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater than 
its estimated recoverable amount. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount. 
These are included in the profit or loss. 

2.15  Investments in subsidiaries

The Company recognises its investments in subsidiaries at cost, less any provisions for impairment. Income is recognised from 
these investments only in relation to distributions receivable basis from post-acquisition profits. Distributions received in excess 
of post-acquisition profits are deducted from the cost of the investment.

2.16 Impairment of goodwill, property, plant and equipment and investments in subsidiaries

For impairment assessment purposes, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are largely independent cash 
inflows (cash-generating units). As a result, some assets are tested individually for impairment and some are tested at cash-
generating unit level. Goodwill is allocated to those cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from synergies of a 
related business combination and represent the lowest level within the Group at which management monitors goodwill.

Cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated (determined by the Group’s management as equivalent to its 
operating segments) are tested for impairment at least annually. All other individual assets or cash-generating units are tested 
for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s (or cash-generating unit’s) carrying amount exceeds its 
recoverable amount, which is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal and value-in-use. To determine the value-in-use, 
management estimates expected future cash flows from each cash-generating unit and determines a suitable discount rate in 
order to calculate the present value of those cash flows. The data used for impairment testing procedures are directly linked to 
the Group’s latest approved budget, adjusted as necessary to exclude the effects of future reorganisations and asset 
enhancements. Discount factors are determined individually for each cash-generating unit and reflect current market 
assessments of the time value of money and asset-specific risk factors.

Impairment losses for cash-generating units reduce first the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to that cash-generating 
unit. Any remaining impairment loss is charged pro rata to the other assets in the cash-generating unit. With the exception of 
goodwill, all assets are subsequently reassessed for indications that an impairment loss previously recognised may no longer 
exist. An impairment loss is reversed if the asset’s or cash-generating unit’s recoverable amount exceeds its carrying amount.

2.17  Inventories

Inventories are counted independently and stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is calculated using the First 
In First Out method. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less estimated costs of 
completion and the estimated costs to sell.

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
51

2.18 Leases

As described in the “New and Revised Standards” section above, the Group has applied IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective 
approach and therefore comparative information has not been restated. This means that comparative information is still reported 
under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4.

Accounting policy applicable from 30 December 2019
For any new contracts entered into on or after 30 December 2019, the Group considers whether a contract is, or contains a lease. 
A lease is defined as ‘a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to use an asset (the underlying asset) for a period of 
time in exchange for consideration’. To apply this definition the Group assesses whether the contract meets three key evaluations 
which are whether:

•  the contract contains an identified asset, which is either explicitly identified in the contract or implicitly specified by being 

identified at the time the asset is made available to the Group

•  the Group has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the identified asset throughout the 

period of use, considering its rights within the defined scope of the contract

•  the Group has the right to direct the use of the identified asset throughout the period of use. The Group assess whether it has 

the right to direct ‘how and for what purpose’ the asset is used throughout the period of use.

Measurement and recognition of leases as a lessee
At lease commencement date, the Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet. The 
right-of-use asset is measured at cost, which is made up of the initial measurement of the lease liability, any initial direct costs 
incurred by the Group, an estimate of any costs to dismantle and remove the asset at the end of the lease, and any lease 
payments made in advance of the lease commencement date (net of any incentives received).

Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured on a present value basis. Lease liabilities include the net present 
value of the following lease payments:

•  fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable;

•  variable lease payments that are based on an index or a rate;

•  amounts expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value guarantees;

•  the exercise price of a purchase option if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise that option; and

•  payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the lessee exercising that option.

Lease payments to be made under reasonably certain extension options are also included in the measurement of the liability.

At the commencement date, the Group measures the lease liability at the present value of the lease payments unpaid at that 
date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease if that rate is readily available. If that rate cannot be readily 
determined, which is generally the case for leases in the Group, the Group’s incremental borrowing rate is used, being the rate 
that the individual lessee would have to pay to borrow the funds necessary to obtain an asset of similar value to the right-of-use 
asset in a similar economic environment with similar terms, security and conditions. 

To determine the incremental borrowing rate, the Group: 

•  where possible, uses recent third-party financing received by the individual lessee as a starting point, adjusted to reflect 

changes in financing conditions since third-party financing was received 

•  uses a build-up approach that starts with a risk-free interest rate adjusted for credit risk for leases held by the Group, which 

does not have recent third-party financing, and 

•  makes adjustments specific to the lease, e.g. term, country, currency and security. 

Where the Group is exposed to potential future increases in variable lease payments based on an index or rate, these are not 
included in the lease liability until they take effect. When adjustments to lease payments based on an index or rate take effect, 
the lease liability is reassessed and adjusted against the right-of-use asset. 

Subsequent to initial measurement, lease payments are allocated between principal, which reduces the liability, and finance 
cost. The finance cost is charged to the statement of comprehensive income over the lease period so as to produce a constant 
periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period. 

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS52

Notes to the financial statements
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 (2019: for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019)

2   Significant accounting policies continued
2.18  Leases continued

Right-of-use assets are measured at cost comprising the following:

•  the amount of the initial measurement of lease liability;

•  any lease payments made at or before the commencement date less any lease incentives received; 

•  any initial direct costs; and

•  restoration costs.

Right-of-use assets are generally depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term on a straight-line 
basis. If the Group is reasonably certain to exercise a purchase option, the right-of-use asset is depreciated over the underlying 
asset’s useful life. The Group also assesses the right-of-use asset for impairment when such indicators exist.

The Group has elected to account for short-term leases and leases of low value assets using the practical expedients. Instead of 
recognising a right-of-use asset and lease liability, the payments in relation to these are recognised as an expense in profit or 
loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The right-of-use assets and lease liabilities have been disclosed separately on the face of the Statement of Financial Position, 
within Non-current assets and across Current & Non-current liabilities respectively. 

Accounting policy applicable before 30 December 2019
Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are not transferred to the Group as lessee are 
classified as operating leases. These are the only types of lease utilised by the entity. Operating lease payments for assets 
leased from third parties are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the period of the lease, on an accrued basis.

2.19  Share-based employee remuneration

The Company operates equity-settled share-based remuneration plans for its employees. None of the Company’s plans are 
cash-settled.

All goods and services received in exchange for the grant of any share-based payment are measured at their fair values.

Where employees are rewarded using share-based payments, the fair value of employees’ services is determined indirectly by 
reference to the fair value of the equity instruments granted. This fair value is appraised at the grant date and excludes the 
impact of non-market vesting conditions (for example profitability and sales growth targets and performance conditions). The fair 
value is determined by using the Black-Scholes method.

All share-based remuneration is ultimately recognised as an expense in profit or loss with a corresponding credit to share-based 
payments reserve. If vesting periods or other vesting conditions apply, the expense is allocated over the vesting period, based 
on the best available estimate of the number of share options expected to vest.

Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions about the number of options that are expected to become 
exercisable. Estimates are subsequently revised if there is any indication that the number of share options expected to vest 
differs from previous estimates. Any adjustment to cumulative share-based compensation resulting from a revision is recognised 
in the current period. The number of vested options ultimately exercised by holders does not impact the expense recorded in 
any period.

Upon exercise of share options, the proceeds received, net of any directly attributable transaction costs, are allocated to share 
capital up to the nominal (or par) value of the shares issued with any excess being recorded as share premium.

2.20 Investment in own shares (JSOP)

Shares held in the City Pub Group Joint Share Ownership Plan (“JSOP”) are shown as a deduction in arriving at equity funds on 
consolidation. Assets, liabilities and reserves of the JSOP are included in the statutory headings to which they relate. Purchases 
and sales of own shares increase or decrease the book value of “Own shares” in the statement of financial position. At each 
period end the Group assess and recognises the value of “Own shares” held with reference to the expected cash proceeds and 
accounts for any difference as a reserves transfer.

2.21  Government grants

The Group has received Government grants for the first time during the period ended 27 December 2020, mainly in relation to 
the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme provided by the Government in response to COVID-19’s impact on our business. The 
Group has elected to account for these grants as other operating income, rather than to off-set the Government grants within 
administrative expenses, so that the gross impact is disclosed on the face of the Statement of Comprehensive Income. 

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202053

3 

Significant judgements and estimates
The judgements, which are considered to be significant, are as follows:

Judgement is required when determining if an acquisition is a business combination or a purchase of an asset. Each acquisition is 
assessed individually to determine which is the most appropriate classification.

Judgement is used to determine those items that should be separately disclosed to allow a better understanding of the 
underlying trading performance of the Group. The judgement includes assessment of whether an item is of a nature that is not 
consistent with normal trading activities or of a sufficient size or infrequency.

Judgement is required when accounting for hive ups that are operationally enacted and that determines when control has 
passed. See note 15.

The estimates, which are considered to be significant, are as follows:

The Group determines whether goodwill is impaired on an annual basis and this requires an estimation of the value in use of the 
cash-generating units to which the goodwill is allocated. This involves estimation of future cash flows, choosing a suitable 
discount rate and growth rate. Full details are supplied in note 11, together with an analysis of the key assumptions. 

The determination of any impairment of property, plant & equipment (including the right of use assets) also requires estimation 
of fair value and value in use. As with goodwill, this requires estimation of future cash flows and selection of a suitable discount 
rate, together with assessment of the market values of properties (if applicable). Goodwill was allocated to the carrying value of 
property, plant & equipment for the purposes of the impairment review, with further details around key assumptions provided in 
note 11 (such assumptions are also relevant to the carrying value of property, plant & equipment are detailed in note 12). 

The calculation of lease liabilities requires the Group to determine an incremental borrowing rate (“IBR”) to discount future 
minimum lease payments. The IBR is the rate of interest that the Group would have to pay to borrow over a similar term, and with 
a similar security, the funds necessary to obtain an asset of a similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic 
environment. The IBR therefore reflects what the Group ‘would have to pay’, which requires estimation when no observable rates 
are available or when they need to be adjusted to reflect the terms and conditions of the lease. 

The estimation of share-based payment costs requires the selection of an appropriate valuation model and consideration as to 
the inputs necessary for the valuation model chosen. The Group has made estimates as to the volatility of its own shares, the 
probable life of options granted and the time of exercise of those options. Expectations around employee retention and meeting 
of performance criteria have also been considered. The model used by the Group is the Black-Scholes valuation model and the 
inputs are detailed in note 27.

The assessment of the probability of future taxable profits on which deferred tax assets can be utilised is based on the Group’s 
latest approved budget forecasts, which is adjustment for significant non-taxable income and expenditure. If a positive forecast 
of taxable income indicates the probable use of a deferred tax asset, especially when it can be utilised without a time limit, that 
deferred tax asset is usually recognised in respect of the period for which future profits can be confidently foreseen. 

The estimation of the recoverable value of net realisable value of inventory (and therefore any corresponding provision) is 
estimated based expectations as at 27 December 2020 around the timing of the recommencement of trade and which inventory 
will remain usable on this date and the extent to which it is expected to be fully realised through sale. 

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS54

Notes to the financial statements
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 (2019: for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019)

4 

Segmental analysis
The Group focuses its internal management reporting predominantly on revenue, adjusted EBITDA (being earnings before 
exceptional items, share option charge, interest, taxation and depreciation) and operating profit.

The Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) receives information on each pub and each pub is considered to be an individual 
operating segment. In line with IFRS 8, each operating segment has the same characteristics and therefore the pubs are 
aggregated to form the reportable segment below.

Revenue, and all the Group’s activities, arise wholly from the sale of goods and services within the United Kingdom. All the 
Group’s non-current assets are located in the United Kingdom.

Revenue arises wholly from the sale of goods and services within the United Kingdom.

Revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Other operating income (note 4(a))

Operating expenses:

2020 
£’000

25,815

(6,280)

19,535

5,391

2019 
£’000

60,028

(15,165)

44,863

•  Operating expenses before adjusting items

(23,718)

(35,663)

Adjusted EBITDA

•  Depreciation

•  Share option charge

•  Exceptional items

Total operating expenses

Operating (loss)/profit

(a)  Other operating income

1,208

5,494

397

1,814

(31,423)

(6,497)

9,066

3,407

274

2,861

(42,339)

2,524

During 2020 the Group has received Government grants for the first time, mainly in relation to the Furlough Scheme  
provided by the Government in response to COVID-19’s impact on our business. Further analysis of other operating income  
is set out below.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Other government grants

Total other operating income

2020 
£’000

5,141

250

5,391

2019 
£’000

–

–

–

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020 
 
 
 
5 

(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities before taxation
The (loss)/profit on ordinary activities before taxation is stated after charging/(crediting):

Costs of inventories recognised as an expense

Staff costs (note 25)

Depreciation

Fees payable to the company’s auditor for the audit of the company’s  
financial statements

Fees payable to the company’s auditor for the audit of the group financial statements

Fees payable to the company’s auditor for tax compliance

Fees payable to the company’s auditor for tax advisory services

Exceptional costs (note 8)

Operating leases – land and buildings*

2020 
£’000

6,376

17,133

5,494

60

–

–

–

1,814

(351)

55

2019 
£’000

15,632

22,363

3,407

67

11

9

24

2,861

2,056

* 

 The Group has adopted IFRS 16 in the year ended 27 December 2020 and the disclosure of leases has changed accordingly, see Accounting 
Policies and Note 13 for further information. Rent concessions relating to COVID19 of £450,000 have been recognised within this balance 
for 2020.

6 

Interest payable and similar charges

On bank loans and overdrafts

Interest and finance charges for lease liabilities

Interest expense capitalised within property, plant & equipment

Total finance cost

During the period £113,000 of interest was capitalised (2019: £275,000).

2020 
£’000

551

699

(113)

1,137

2019 
£’000

596

–

(275)

321

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
56

Notes to the financial statements
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 (2019: for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019)

7 

Tax charge on (loss)/profit on ordinary activities
(a)  Analysis of tax charge for the period

The tax charge for the Group is based on the (loss)/profit for the period and represents:

Current income tax:

Current income tax charge

Adjustments in respect of previous period

Total current income tax

Deferred tax:

Origination and reversal of temporary differences (note 23)

Adjustments in respect of deferred tax of previous period

Total deferred tax

Total tax

2020 
£’000

(572)

(154)

(726)

(445)

–

(445)

(1,171)

(b)  Factors affecting total tax for the period

The tax assessed for the period differs from the standard rate of corporation tax in the United Kingdom 19.00%  
(2019: 19.00%). The differences are explained as follows:

(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities before tax

(Loss)/profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the 
United Kingdom of 19.00% (2019: 19.00%)

Effect of:

Fixed asset differences

Items not deductible for tax purposes

Adjustment in respect of previous periods

Share options tax deduction

Total tax (credit)/charge

2020 
£’000

(7,634)

(1,450)

446

(5)

(154)

(8)

(1,171)

2019 
£’000

608

40

648

243

–

243

891

2019 
£’000

2,203

419

415

61

40

(44)

891

The deferred tax asset included in the balance sheet of £503,000 (2019: £nil) relates principally to the carry forward of tax losses. 
The Directors have recognised a deferred tax asset in respect of carried forward trading tax losses as, based on current 
estimates, the Group is forecast to make sufficient trading profit over the next 3 years, against which these losses can be offset.

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020 
 
 
57

2019 
£’000

777

1,914

–

170

2,861

2019 
£’000

1,312

2.20

2.19

8 

Exceptional items

Pre opening costs

Impairment of pub sites

Inventory impairments

Other non recurring items

2020 
£’000

14

933

662

205

1,814

Exceptional items for both financial years presented are included within administrative expenditure in the Statement of 
Comprehensive Income. 

9  Dividends 

Dividends paid during the reporting period
The Board did not declare a dividend due the Covid pandemic (2019: 2.75p per share) 

Dividends not recognised at the end of the reporting period
Since the year end, the Directors are not proposing a dividend due to the COVID-19 pandemic (2019: nil). 

10 

(Loss)/earnings per share

(Loss)/earnings for the period attributable to Shareholders

(Loss)/earnings per share:

Basic (loss)/earnings per share (p)

Diluted earnings per share (p)

Weighted average number of shares:

Weighted average shares for basic EPS

Effect of share options in issue

Weighted average shares for diluted earnings per share

2020 
£’000

(6,463)

(7.15)

n/a

Number of shares

Number of shares

90,451,692

59,523,815

n/a

n/a

456,481

59,980,296

Shares held by the City Pub Group plc Joint Share Ownership Plan (“JSOP”), which has waived its entitlement to receive 
dividends, are treated as cancelled for the purpose of this calculation.

For the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020, the Group recorded a loss. As a result, share options in issue for this period are 
considered to be antidliutive and therefore no diluted loss per share has been presented.

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS58

Notes to the financial statements
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 (2019: for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019)

11  Goodwill

Cost brought forward

Additions

Disposal

Transfer of business – hive up

At end of period

Amortisation/impairment brought forward

Provided during the period

At end of period

Net book value at end of period

Net book value at start of period

Group 
2020 
£’000

4,196

–

–

–

4,196

(60)

(340)

(400)

3,796

4,136

Group 
2019 
£’000

3,854

343

(1)

–

4,196

(60)

–

(60)

4,136

3,794

Company 
2020
£’000

4,196

–

–

–

4,196

(60)

(340)

(400)

3,796

4,136

Company 
2019
£’000

2,021

343

–

1,832

4,196

(60)

–

(60)

4,136

1,961

The carrying value of goodwill included within the Group and Company statement of financial position is £3,796,000 (2019: 
£4,136,000), which is allocated to the cash-generating unit (“CGU”) of groupings of public houses as follows:

Freehold

Leasehold

Group 
2020 
£’000

2,396

1,400

3,796

Group 
2019 
£’000

2,396

1,740

4,136

Company 
2020
£’000

2,396

1,400

3,796

Company 
2019
£’000

2,396

1,740

4,136

The CGU’s recoverable amount has been determined as the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and value in use based on an 
internal discounted cash flow evaluation. During the period ended 27 December 2020 an impairment has been made against two 
sites, as described further in note 12.

The fair value less costs to sell is calculated based on the market value of the associated property.

For the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020, the cash-generating unit recoverable amount was determined based on 
value-in-use calculations, using cash flow projections based on one year budgets, (modified as appropriate for the impact of 
Covid-19 and the expected return to normal trading conditions), extrapolated into perpetuity for freehold properties and for the 
length of the lease for leasehold properties, with key assumptions for both CGU’s being the long-term growth rate of 2% and 
pre-tax discount rate of 9%. Cash flows for the businesses are based on management forecasts, which are approved by the 
Board and reflect management’s expectations of sales growth, operating costs and margin based on past experience and 
anticipated changes in the local market places and trading following the re-opening of sites during 2021.

Sensitivity to changes in key assumptions: impairment testing is dependent on management’s estimates and judgements, in 
particular in relation to the forecasting of future cash flows, the long-term growth rate and the discount rate applied to the cash 
flows and uncertainty of future cash flows related to Covid-19.

Lowering the discount rate by 1% from 9% to 8% would have the effect of reducing the impairment charge by some £303k to 
£630k. An increase in the discount rate to 10% would result in the impairment charge increasing by £282k to £1,215k.

Lowering the long term growth rate used from 2% to 1% would result in an increase in the impairment charge of £214k to £1,147k. 
A higher growth rate of 3% would result in the impairment charge reducing by £225k to £708k.

The assumptions and outlined changes in impairment charge noted in the above sensitivities are relevant to the combined 
carrying value of goodwill and property plant & equipment, and are stated before any allocation between the two asset classes. 

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202059

Total 
£’000

100,472

15,375

10,957

(155)

126,649

2,418

(821)

128,246

10,452

3,407

1,914

(38)

15,735

3,859

593

20,187

108,059

110,914

90,020

Freehold & 
leasehold 
property 
£’000

Fixtures,
fittings and
 computers 
£’000

78,687

8,377

10,319

(91)

97,292

311

(821)

96,782

2,201

643

1,802

(19)

4,627

747

–

5,374

91,408

92,665

76,486

21,785

6,998

638

(64)

29,357

2,107

–

31,464

8,251

2,764

112

(19)

11,108

3,112

593

14,813

16,651

18,249

13,534

12  Property, plant and equipment

Group

Cost

At 30 December 2018

Additions

Acquisitions

Disposals

At 29 December 2019

Additions

Disposals

At 27 December 2020

Depreciation

At 30 December 2018

Provided during the period 

Impairment

Disposals

At 29 December 2019

Provided during the period 

Impairment

At 27 December 2020

Net book value

At 27 December 2020

At 29 December 2019

At 30 December 2018

During the period ended 27 December 2020 the group has made a provision for impairment against a number of sites totalling 
£933,000, split £340,000 against goodwill and £593,000 against fixtures and fittings. . The assumptions and sensitivities relating 
to the Group’s impairment review laid out in note 11 are also relevant to this note.

During the period ended 29 December 2019 the group made a provision for impairment against a number of sites totalling 
£1,914,000. 

During the period ended 27 December 2020 the group capitalised £113,000 (2019: £275,000) of interest within the Freehold 
& Leasehold property asset.

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS60

Notes to the financial statements
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 (2019: for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019)

12  Property, plant and equipment continued

Company

Cost

At 30 December 2018

Additions

Acquisitions

Disposals

Transferred on hive-up of business 

At 29 December 2019

Additions

Disposals

At 27 December 2020

Depreciation

At 30 December 2018

Provided during the period 

Impairment

Disposals

Transferred on hive-up of business

At 29 December 2019

Provided during the period 

Impairment

At 27 December 2020

Net book value

At 27 December 2020

At 29 December 2019

At 30 December 2018

Freehold & 
leasehold 
property 
£’000

Fixtures, 
fittings and 
computers 
£’000

39,726

2,898

10,319

(91)

44,440

97,292

311

(821)

96,782

1,332

505

1,802

(19)

1,007

4,627

747

–

5,374

91,408

92,665

38,394

12,957

4,887

638

(64)

10,939

29,357

2,107

–

31,464

4,963

2,159

112

(19)

3,893

11,108

3,112

593

14,813

16,651

18,249

7,994

Total 
£’000

52,683

7,785

10,957

(155)

55,379

126,649

2,418

(821)

128,246

6,295

2,664

1,914

(38)

4,900

15,735

3,859

593

20,187

108,059

110,914

46,388

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202061

13  Leases

Group and Company
This note provides information for leases where the Group is a lessee. The Group enters into property leases for certain of its pub 
sites. The lease terms are negotiated on an individual basis and contain a wide range of different terms and conditions. The lease 
agreements do not impose any covenants, but leased assets may not be used as security for borrowing purposes.

(i)  amounts recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position

The consolidated statement of financial position shows the following amounts relating to leases:

Group and Company

Right-of-use assets

On adoption

Addition

Depreciation

Total

Lease liabilities

Current

Non-current

Total

27 December 2020 
£’000

21,042

158

(1,635)

19,565

2,103

17,750

19,853

Additions to the right-of-use assets during the 2020 financial year were £158,000. Following the publication on the amendment 
to IFRS 16 in relation to rent concessions, the Group has applied the practical expedient in all cases where relevant conditions 
were met. These concessions totalled a credit to the income statement for the period of £450,000. Changes in leases which do 
not fulfil the criteria of the practical expedient have been treated as additions or disposals in line with normal IFRS 16 accounting.

(ii)  amounts recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income

The consolidated statement of comprehensive income shows the following amounts relating to leases:

Group and Company

Depreciation charge

Leasehold Properties

Interest expense (included in finance cost)

Expense relating to short-term leases (included in operating expenses)

Expenses relating to low value assets that are not shown above as short-term leases 
(included in operating expenses

The total cash outflow for leases in 2020 was £2,046,000.

27 December 2020 
£’000

29 December 2019 
£’000

1,635

699

99

–

–

–

–

–

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
62

Notes to the financial statements
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 (2019: for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019)

14  Financial assets at fair value through Other Comprehensive income

Group and Company

At start of period

Additions

Revaluations 

At end of period

2020 
£’000

–

1,309

–

1,309

2019 
£’000

–

–

–

–

During the year the Group acquired a 14% stake in certain companies within the Mosaic Pub and Dining Group through a 
subscription of new shares issued in connection with a fundraising by The Galaxy (City) Pub Company Limited, The Pioneer (City) 
Pub Company Limited and The Sovereign (City) Pub Company Limited (the “Companies”) for total cash consideration of 
approximately £1.2 million.

The Companies own and operate 9 pubs which are in prime locations and benefit from strong asset backing, with 7 freehold and 
2 leasehold sites.

The Companies are part of the wider Mosaic Pub and Dining Group (“Mosaic”), which own 26 pubs across England. Mosaic has a 
similar ethos and model to the City Pub Group, with each pub having its own identity and talented and passionate staff who 
deliver a high-quality experience. Investing in Mosaic furthers the City Pubs Group’s existing relationship with Mosaic who 
already negotiate their largest supply deals together to get the best terms and extends and strengthens the geographical area 
to which we have exposure. With a stronger balance sheet Mosaic will be able to focus on building shareholder value which will 
be beneficial to both parties.

Clive Watson is an investment consultant to Mosaic. Richard Prickett, Non-Executive Director of the City Pub Group, is a Non-
Executive Director of The Pioneer (City) Pub Company Limited.

15 

Investments in subsidiaries

Company

At start of period

Additions

Transferred on hive up of business

Disposal on liquidation of subsidiaries

Write-down of investment 

At end of period

2020 
£’000

12,730

–

–

–

(11,663)

1,067

2019 
£’000

12,063

407

263

(3)

–

12,730

During the prior year the Company hived up the trade and assets of its subsidiary The City Pub Company (West) Limited via an 
intercompany transfer, which included the transfer of investments previously held by The City Pub Company (West) Limited. In 
the current year there was final dividend from The City Pub Company (West) Limited, which eliminated the amounts due to 
group undertakings balance (note 16) and resulted in a write down of the investments carrying value of £11,663,000. 

The Company had the following subsidiary undertakings as at 27 December 2020:

Name of subsidiary

Class of 
share held

Country of
incorporation

Proportion 
held

Nature of 
business

The City Pub Company (West) Limited 

Ordinary

England and Wales

100%

Dormant

BNB Leisure Limited

Gresham Collective Ltd

Randall & Zacharia Limited

Chapel 1877 Ltd

Flamequire Limited

Ordinary

England and Wales

100%

Dormant

Ordinary

England and Wales

100%

Dormant

Ordinary

England and Wales

100%

Dormant

Ordinary

England and Wales

100%

Dormant

Ordinary

England and Wales

100%

Dormant

The above companies all had the same registered office as the parent company, being Essel House, 2nd Floor, 29 Foley Street, 
London, W1W 7TH.

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202063

16 

Inventories

Finished goods and goods for resale

Group 
2020 
£’000

703

Group 
2019 
£’000

1,220

Company 
2020
£’000

703

Company 
2019
£’000

1,220

During the year ended 27 December 2020 the Group (and Company) had to write off £662,000 (2019: £nil) of inventory due to the 
impact of the COVID-19 lockdowns in England, which has been recognised within the other non-recurring items line as part of 
the exceptional items in note 8.

17  Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables

Government grant receivables

Corporation tax receivables

Other receivables

Prepayments and accrued income

Group 
2020 
£’000

235

379

774

664

1,012

3,064

Group 
2019 
£’000

462

–

–

1,218

1,726

3,406

Company 
2020
£’000

Company 
2019
£’000

235

379

774

664

1,012

3,064

462

–

–

1,218

1,726

3,406

Rent deposits are included within other receivables, greater than one year. They are at £358k (2019: £358k).

18  Current trade and other payables

Trade payables

Corporation taxation

Other taxation and social security

Amounts due to group undertakings

Accruals

Other payables

Group 
2020 
£’000

2,641

–

2,828

–

2,190

771

8,430

Group 
2019 
£’000

3,392

300

2,406

–

1,488

1,441

9,027

Company 
2020
£’000

Company 
2019
£’000

2,641

–

2,828

1,067

2,190

771

9,497

3,392

300

2,406

15,515

1,488

1,441

24,542

Included within Other taxation and social security is £80k is due to be repaid greater than one year.

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS64

Notes to the financial statements
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 (2019: for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019)

19  Non-current other payables

Deferred consideration

Group 
2020 
£’000

–

Group 
2019 
£’000

50

Company 
2020
£’000

–

Company 
2019
£’000

50

In the prior year, deferred consideration arose in relation to the acquisition of both The Hoste and The Pride of Paddington, of this 
deferred consideration £50,000 was due after more than one year and £375,000 was due within one year and included within other 
payables. There is £375,000 of deferred consideration balance due in one year within other payables as at 27 December 2020.

20  Borrowings and lease liabilities

Current borrowings and financial liabilities:

Lease liabilities

Non-current borrowings and financial 
liabilities:

Bank loans

Lease liabilities

Group 
2020 
£’000

2,103

24,801

17,750

42,551

Group 
2019 
£’000

Company 
2020
£’000

Company 
2019
£’000

–

2,103

–

32,310

–

32,310

24,801

17,750

42,551

32,310

–

32,310

At 27 December 2020 a revolving credit facility of £25,000,000 (2019: £32,500,000) was outstanding, net of capitalised 
arrangement fees, Barclays Bank PLC had a fixed charge over certain freehold property as security in respect of this loan. 
Interest was charged at LIBOR plus a margin, which varied dependent on the ratio of net debt to EBITDA. The revolving credit 
facility is repayable in July 2022, but can be extended for an additional 2 years to July 2024.

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020Reconciliation of liabilities arising from financing activities
The changes in the Group’s liabilities arising from financing activities can be classified as follows:

At 30 December 2019

Cash flows:

Repayment

Non-cash items:

Amortisation of loan arrangement fees

At 27 December 2020

At 31 December 2018

Cash flows:

Proceeds

Non-cash items:

Amortisation of loan arrangement fees

At 29 December 2019

Long-term 
Borrowings
£’000

32,310

(7,500)

(9)

24,801

Long-term 
Borrowings 
£’000

11,600

20,695

15

32,310

The changes in the Company’s liabilities arising from borrowings can be classified as follows:

At 30 December 2019

Cash flows:

Repayments

Non-cash items:

Amortisation of loan arrangement fees

At 27 December 2020

At 31 December 2018

Cash flows:

Proceeds

Transferred on hive up of business

Non-cash items:

Amortisation of loan arrangement fees

At 29 December 2019

Long-term 
Borrowings
£’000

32,310

(7,500)

(9)

24,801

Long-term 
Borrowings
£’000

7,100

10,298

14,897

15

32,310

65

Total 
£’000

32,310

(7,500)

(9)

24,801

Total 
£’000

11,600

20,695

15

32,310

Total 
£’000

32,310

(7,500)

(9)

24,801

Total 
£’000

7,100

10,298

14,897

15

32,310

Short-term
Borrowings
£’000

–

–

–

–

Short-term
Borrowings 
£’000

–

–

–

–

Short-term
Borrowings
£’000

–

–

–

–

Short-term
Borrowings
£’000

–

–

–

–

–

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS66

Notes to the financial statements
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 (2019: for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019)

20  Borrowings and lease liabilities continued

The changes in the Group’s and Company’s liabilities arising from leases can be classified as follows:

Long-term 
Lease liabilities 
£’000

Short-term 
Lease liabilities 
£’000

At 30 December 2019

Recognised on adoption of IFRS 16

At 30 December 2019 -post adoption of IFRS 16

Cash flows:

Repayments

Accrued interest

Non-cash items:

Additions

Reclassification

At 27 December 2020

21  Financial instruments and risk management

Financial instruments by category:

Financial assets – loans and receivables

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Group 
2020 
£’000

899

12,331

13,230

–

18,959

18,959

–

–

158

(1,367)

17,750

Group 
2019 
£’000

1,680

2,769

4,449

Prepayments are excluded, as this analysis is required only for financial instruments.

Non-current

Borrowings

Lease liabilities

Other payables

Current

Current borrowings

Lease liabilities

Trade and other payables

Amounts due to group undertakings

Group 
2020 
£’000

24,801

17,750

–

42,551

–

2,103

3,412

–

5,515

Group 
2019 
£’000

32,310

–

50

32,360

–

–

4,833

–

4,833

–

2,083

2,083

(2,046)

699

–

1,367

2,103

Total
£’000

–

21,042

21,042

(2,046)

699

158

–

19,853

Company 
2020
£’000

Company 
2019
£’000

899

12,331

13,230

1,680

2,769

4,449

Company 
2020
£’000

Company 
2019
£’000

24,801

17,750

–

42,551

–

2,103

3,412

1,067

6,582

32,310

–

50

32,360

–

–

4,833

15,515

20,348

Statutory liabilities and deferred income are excluded from the trade payables balance, as this analysis is required only for 
financial instruments.

There is no material difference between the book value and the fair value of the financial assets and financial liabilities 
disclosed above.

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202067

The Group’s operations expose it to financial risks that include market risk and liquidity risk. The Directors review and agree 
policies for managing each of these risks and they are summarised below. These policies have remained unchanged from 
previous periods.

Cash at bank and short-term deposits

A1

Not rated

Group 
2020 
£’000

12,082

249

12,331

Group 
2019 
£’000

2,637

132

2,769

Company 
2020
£’000

12,082

249

12,331

Company 
2019
£’000

2,637

132

2,769

A1 rating means that the risk of default for the investors and the policy holder is deemed to be very low. 

Not rated balances relate to petty cash amounts.

Market risk – cash flow interest rate risk
The Group had outstanding borrowing of £25,000,000 at year end as disclosed in note 20. These were loans taken out with 
Barclays to facilitate the purchase of public houses.

The Group’s policy is to minimise interest rate cash flow risk exposures on long-term financing. Longer-term borrowings are 
therefore usually at fixed rates. At 27 December 2020, the Group is exposed to changes in market interest rates through bank 
borrowings at variable interest rates. Other borrowings are at fixed interest rates. The exposure to interest rates for the Group’s 
cash at bank and short-term deposits is considered immaterial.

The following table illustrates the sensitivity of profit and equity to a reasonably possible change in interest rates of +/- 1% on 
borrowings in the period. These changes are considered to be reasonably possible based on observation of current market 
conditions. The calculations are based on a change in the average market interest rate on borrowings for each period. All other 
variables are held constant.

27 December 2020

29 December 2019

Profit for the year

+1%

(317)

(285)

–1%

317

285

Equity

+1%

(317)

(285)

–1%

317

285

Credit risk
The risk of financial loss due to a counter party’s failure to honour its obligations arises principally in relation to transactions 
where the Group provides goods and services on deferred payment terms and deposits surplus cash.

Group policies are aimed at minimising losses and deferred terms are only granted to customers who demonstrate an 
appropriate payment history and satisfy credit worthiness procedures. Individual customers are subject to credit limits to control 
debt exposure. Credit insurance is taken out where appropriate for wholesale customers and goods may also be sold on a cash 
with order basis.

Cash deposits with financial institutions for short periods are only permitted with financial institutions approved by the Board. 
There are no significant concentrations of credit risk within the Group. The maximum credit risk exposure relating to financial 
assets is represented by their carrying value as at the financial period end. 

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS68

Notes to the financial statements
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 (2019: for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019)

21  Financial instruments and risk management continued

Liquidity risk
The Group actively maintains cash and banking facilities that are designed to ensure it has sufficient available funds for 
operations and planned expansions. The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities into relevant maturity groupings 
based on the remaining period at the period end date to the contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the table are 
the contractual undiscounted cash flows.

Group

As at 27 December 2020:

Borrowings

Lease liabilities

Trade and other payables

As at 29 December 2019:

Borrowings

Trade and other payables

Company

As at 27 December 2020:

Borrowings

Lease liabilities

Trade and other payables

As at 29 December 2019:

Borrowings

Trade and other payables

Less than 
1 year
£’000

Between 
1 and 2 years
 £’000

Between 
2 and 5 years 
£’000

–

2,103

3,412

–

4,833

–

2,103

–

–

50

24,801

6,119

–

32,310

–

Less than 
1 year
£’000

Between 
1 and 2 years 
£’000

Between 
2 and 5 years 
£’000

–

2,103

4,479

–

20,348

–

2,103

–

–

50

24,801

6,119

–

32,310

–

Over 
5 years 
£’000

–

15,108

–

–

–

Over 
5 years 
£’000

–

15,108

–

–

–

Capital risk management
The Group manages its capital to ensure it will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising the return to 
shareholders through optimising the debt and equity balance. 

The Group monitors cash balances and prepare regular forecasts, which are reviewed by the board. In order to maintain or adjust 
the capital structure, the Group may, in the future, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202069

22  Fair value measurements of financial instruments

Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value are required to be grouped into three levels of a fair value 
hierarchy. The three levels are defined based on the observability of significant inputs to the measurement, as follows:

Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;

Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or 
indirectly; and

Level 3: unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

There were no financial asset or liabilities measured at fair value as at 30 December 2018 or 29 December 2019. During the 
period ended 27 December 2020 the Group acquired investments in other companies, which have been recognised at fair value 
at the reporting date.

All investments in equity instruments are considered to be level 3 investments.

23  Deferred tax

Provision for deferred tax liabilities

Accelerated capital allowances

Arising on acquisition

Provision at the start of the period

Arising on acquisition

Transferred on hive up of business

Deferred tax charge for the period

Provision at the end of the period

Deferred tax asset

Arising on tax losses carried forward

Deferred tax asset at the start of the period

Deferred tax credit for the period

Deferred tax asset at the end of the period

Group 
2020 
£’000

1,044

1,137

2,181

2,123

–

–

58

2,181

Group 
2020 
£’000

503

–

503

503

Group 
2019 
£’000

986

1,137

2,123

1,537

343

–

243

2,123

Group 
2019 
£’000

–

–

–

–

Company 
2020
£’000

Company 
2019
£’000

1,044

1,137

2,181

2,123

–

–

58

2,181

986

1,137

2,123

667

343

870

243

2,123

Company 
2020
£’000

Company 
2019
£’000

503

–

503

503

–

–

–

–

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS70

Notes to the financial statements
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 (2019: for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019)

24  Share capital

Allotted called up and fully paid

105,684,425 Ordinary shares of 1 pence each:  
(2019: 61,623,791 Ordinary share of 50p each)

3,021,770,759 Deferred shares of 1 pence each (2019: nil)

Total

2020 
£’000

2019 
£’000

1,057

30,218

31,275

30,812

–

30,812

In February 2020 the Group issued 45,000 £0.50 shares at a price of £1.00 per share in relation to the exercise of share options. 
The premium on the shares issued was credited to the share premium account.

In April 2020 the Group undertook a subdivision of its ordinary share capital, which resulted in the issued ordinary share capital of 
61,668,791 ordinary £0.50 shares being subdivided into 3,083,439,550 ordinary £0.01 shares. After the subdivision 3,021,770,759 
ordinary £0.01 shares were re-designated as 3,021,770,759 deferred £0.01 shares, leaving 61,668,791 ordinary shares of £0.01 
each. 

In April 2020 the Group completed a Placing and Open Offer, which were fully subscribed and resulted in the issue of 30,000,000 
ordinary £0.01 shares at a price of £0.50 per share and 14,015,634 ordinary £0.01 shares at a price of £0.50 per share respectively. 
The premium on the shares issued as part of the Placing and Open Offer, less the share issue costs of £857,000 was credited to 
the share premium account.

The ordinary shareholders are entitled to be paid a dividend out of any surplus profits and to participate in surplus assets on 
winding up in proportion to the nominal value of each class of share. All equity shares in the Company carry one vote per share.

The deferred shareholders are not entitled to be paid a dividend out of any surplus profits and only participate in surplus assets 
on winding up after certain conditions. The deferred shares do not entitle the holder to vote at a General Meeting.

The ordinary share capital account represents the amount subscribed for shares at nominal value.

£0.50 Ordinary 
shares Number

£0.01 Ordinary 
shares Number

Deferred 
shares Number

At 30 December 2018

Issue of new ordinary shares for Scrip dividend

Issue of new ordinary shares on exercise of share options

At 29 December 2019 

Issue of new ordinary shares on exercise of share options

Sub-total

61,302,514

103,777

217,500

61,623,791

45,000

61,668,791

–

–

–

–

–

–

Impact of the subdivision of £0.50 ordinary shares to £0.01  
ordinary shares

(61,668,791)

3,083,439,550

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Impact of the re-designation to deferred shares

Issue of new ordinary shares on Placing

Issue of new ordinary shares on Open Offer

At 27 December 2020 

–

–

–

–

(3,021,770,759)

3,021,770,759

30,000,000

14,015,634

105,684,425

3,021,770,759

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 202071

Own shares held (JSOP)
The Group announced the establishment of a Joint Share Ownership Plan (“JSOP”) in January 2018, as detailed in the Company’s 
AIM Admission Document, to be used as part of the remuneration arrangements for employees. This resulted in the purchase of 
the Group’s own shares and the creation of an Employee Benefit Trust. 

The JSOP purchases shares in the Company to satisfy the Company’s obligations under its JSOP performance share plan. No 
shares (2019: no shares) in the Company were purchased during the period at a cost of £nil (2019: £nil).

At 27 December 2020 the JSOP held 1,925,000 ordinary shares in The City Pub Group plc (2019: 1,925,000).

At 27 December 2020 awards over 1,925,000 (2019: 1,925,000) ordinary shares The City Pub Group plc, made under the terms of 
the performance share plan, were outstanding.

Nature and purpose of reserves
The share premium account represents premiums received on the initial issuing of the share capital. Any transaction costs 
associated with the issuing of shares are deducted from share premium, net of any related income tax benefits.

Own shares (JSOP) represents shares in the Company purchased by the Group’s Employee Benefit Trust as part of a Joint Share 
Ownership Plan (“JSOP”).

The other reserve has arisen from using the predecessor value method to combine the results of the Company and its subsidiary 
The City Pub Company (West) Limited, which was acquired through a share for share exchange as part of the reorganisation of 
two entities under common control prior to the Company’s Listing on AIM. The reserve represents the share premium that exists 
within The City Pub Company (West) Limited.

Share-based payments reserve is used to recognise the grant date fair value of options issued to employees but not exercised.

Retained earnings include all results as disclosed in the statement of comprehensive income.

25  Staff costs

Number of employees
The average monthly numbers of employees (including salaried Directors) during the period was:

Management and Administration

Operation of Public Houses

Employment costs (including Directors)

Wages and salaries

Pension costs

Social security costs

Share based payments charge

2020

92

892

984

2020 
£’000

15,500

323

913

397

17,133

2019

98

1,111

1,209

2019 
£’000

20,392

380

1,318

273

22,363

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS72

Notes to the financial statements
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 (2019: for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019)

26  Directors’ remuneration

Single total figure of remuneration table

The following table shows a breakdown of the remuneration of individual Directors who served in all or part of the year:

Salary/Fees

Taxable Benefits

Pension/Other

Compensation  
for loss of office

Total

2020 
£’000

2019 
£’000

2020 
£’000

2019 
£’000

2020 
£’000

2019 
£’000

2020 
£’000

2019 
£’000

2020 
£’000

2019 
£’000

112

101

112

104

33

38

26

32

145

145

145

130

–

47

33

42

9

6

9

2

–

–

–

–

21

13

9

2

–

–

–

–

558

687

26

45

7

5

7

2

–

–

26

–

47

7

7

7

6

–

–

50

–

77

–

166

–

–

–

–

–

–

166

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

128

278

128

108

33

38

52

32

173

165

161

138

–

47

83

42

797

809

Clive Watson

Alex Derrick

Rupert Clark

Tarquin Williams

Toby Smith

Richard Prickett

John Roberts*

Neil Griffiths

Total

*  John Roberts provides brewery consultancy services to the Group in relation to our seven microbreweries. The fees for these consultancy 

services are included within the Other column.

Emoluments in respect of the Directors are as follows:

Remuneration for qualifying services

2020 
£’000

797

2019 
£’000

809

The highest paid Director in the period received remuneration of £278,000; (2019: £173,000). Four directors had equity settled 
share options in issue at the period end (2019: Four). Additional information on Directors’ remuneration is given within the 
Corporate Governance Report.

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020 
73

27  Share-based payments

The Group provides share-based payments to employees, which are all equity settled, in the form of a Company Share 
Ownership Plan (CSOP), started in 2016, a Joint Share Ownership Plan (“JSOP”) started in 2018 and the Group’s Long Term 
Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) started in 2020. The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation model to value these types of share-
based payment plan and the resulting value is amortised through the consolidated income statement over the vesting period of 
the share-based payments.

In prior periods the Group also operated an equity settled share option plan known as the Enterprise Management Incentive 
Share Option Plan. The Group was required to reflect the effects of share-based payment transactions in profit or loss and in its 
statement of financial position. For the purposes of calculating the fair value of share options granted, the Black Scholes Pricing 
Model was used by the Group. Fair values have been calculated on the date of grant. A key input into the model is the share 
price, on the date of grant of the options. The share price has been estimated based on the most recent subscription for shares. 
In the prior period a transfer was made between the share-based payment reserve and the retained earnings in respect of the 
EMI share options that were all exercised during the prior period.

During the period ended 27 December 2020 2,515,000 options were granted under the CSOP scheme (2019: no options granted), 
2,100,000 options were granted under the Group’s Long Term Incentive Plan (2019: no options granted); and no awards were 
made under the JSOP scheme (2019: no awards). A share-based payment charge of £397,000 (2019: £274,000) has been reflected 
in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income. 

The fair value of options granted in the current period and the assumptions used in the calculation are shown below:

Year of grant

Exercise price (£)

Number of awards granted

Performance based criteria (see Directors options for criteria)

Vesting period (years)

Expected Life (years)

Contractual life (years) 

Risk free rate

Expected dividend yield

Volatility

Fair value (£)

Movements in share-based payments are summarised in the table below:

Outstanding at start of period

Granted

Exercised

Expired 

Outstanding at end of period

2020 
Number of 
Awards

3,332,500

4,615,000

(45,000)

(922,500)

6,980,000

Exercisable at 27 December 2020

405,000

2020 
Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
£

1.75

0.33

1.00

1.11

0.90

1.00

2020 – CSOP

2020 – LTIP

0.60

0.00

2,515,000

1,900,000

No

3

7

10

0.048%

1.40%

30%

0.15

2019 
Number of 
Awards

3,785,000

–

(217,500)

(235,000)

3,332,500

735,000

Yes

3

4

10

(0.0011)%

1.00%

27%

0.92

2019 
Weighted 
average 
exercise price 
£

1.69

–

1.00

1.48

1.75

1.00

The weighted average remaining contractual life of options outstanding at the end of the period is 6.66 years (2019: 3.58 years). 

Previous issues of CSOPs in both 2016 and 2018 had a vesting period of 3 years, an expected life of 7 years and a contractual life 
of 10 years. The exercise price for the 2016 CSOPs was £1.00 and the exercise price for the 2018 CSOPs was £1.70. The JSOP has 
an exercise price of £2.05 and contractual life of 10 years.

At the end of the period there were 6,980,000 outstanding options. The breakdown of these is as follows:

405,000 – 2016 CSOP, 235,000 – 2018 CSOP, 1,925,000 – JSOP, 1,900,000 – LTIP and 2,515,000 – 2020 CSOP. 

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS74

Notes to the financial statements
for the 52 week period ended 27 December 2020 (2019: for the 52 week period ended 29 December 2019)

28  Financial commitments

From 1 October 2019, the Group has recognised right-of-use assets for these leases, except for short-term and low value 
leases, see Accounting Policies and Note 13 for further information. In the prior year, the Group had commitments under 
non-cancellable operating leases in respect of land and buildings. The Group’s future minimum operating lease payments 
were as follows:

Within one year

Between one and five years

After five years

Group 
2020 
£’000

–

–

–

–

Group 
2019 
£’000

2,061

8,242

17,991

28,294

Company 
2020
£’000

–

–

–

–

Company 
2019
£’000

1,508

6,031

13,923

21,462

Commercial operating leases are typically for 15 to 25 years, although certain leases have lease periods extending up to 99 years. 

29  Ultimate controlling party and related party transactions

(i)  Ultimate controlling party and related party transactions

The Directors consider there to be no ultimate controlling party. The following related party transactions took place during  
the period:

£1,500 (2019: £15,006) was paid to Helen Watson, who is related to Clive Watson. At the period end Helen Watson was owed  
£nil (2019: £nil). Helen Watson has an existing £10,000 float with the group.

At the end of the prior period an advance of £20,000 was paid to Alex Derrick, which was repaid following his CSOP exercise  
in February 2020.

Clive Watson is an investment consultant to Mosaic. Richard Prickett, Non-Executive Director of the City Pub Group, is a  
Non-Executive Director of The Pioneer (City) Pub Company Limited, a company which forms part of the Mosaic Pub and  
Dining Group. James Watson, CEO of Mosaic, is related to Clive Watson.

(ii)  Remuneration of Key Management Personnel

The Company consider that the Directors are their key management personnel and further detail of their remuneration is  
disclosed in note 26. 

No key personnel other than the directors have been identified in relation to the periods ended 27 December 2020 and 29  
December 2019.

30  Post balance sheet events

New £5m CLBLS
In March 2021, the Company agreed a new £5m CLBLS facility through our bankers, Barclays over a 3 year period. This is in 
addition to our existing £35m RCF. 

Covid 19 Insurance Payment
In March 2021, the Company also received the £1m insurance pay out from our insurers QBE for our claim relating to Covid.

KPH / Barts Pub Investment
We recently announced that we have acquired a 49% stake in Barts Pub Ltd, owner of the iconic Kensington Park Hotel (KPH), 
based in Ladbroke Grove for £750k. We will operate this pub under a management contract initially and have also secured an 
option to acquire the freehold of KPH to ensure that this asset comes into our ownership soon. 

Mosaic Investment
We also recently announced that we increased our investment into Mosaic Pub and Dining (Tranche 1 of companies) by £1.2m in 
March 2021. Our total stake in Mosaic is now 24% for a total investment of £2.4m. 

31  Capital commitments

At the period end the Group and Company has no capital commitments excluding the financial commitments disclosed in note 28. 

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
75

Directors, officers and company information

Directors

Clive Watson ACA – Executive Chairman
Rupert Clark – Managing Director
Toby Smith – Chief Operating Officer
Tarquin Williams ACMA – Chief Financial Officer
John Roberts – Non Executive Director
Richard Prickett FCA – Non Executive Director
Neil Griffiths – Non Executive Director
Emma Fox – Non Executive Director

Secretary and Registered Office

Nominated Adviser and Corporate Broker

Auditors

Solicitors

Bankers

Registrars

James Dudgeon
Essel House
2nd Floor
29 Foley Street
London W1W 7TH

Liberum Capital Limited
25 Ropemaker Street
London EC2Y 9LY

Haysmacintyre LLP
10 Queen Street Place
London EC4R 1AG

Addleshaw Goddard LLP
Exchange Tower
19 Canning Street
Edinburgh EH3 8EH

Barclays Bank PLC
Exchange Tower 2
Harbour Exchange Square
London E14 9GE

Equiniti Limited
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing BN99 6DA

Company registration number:

07814568

STRATEGIC REPORT | GOVERNANCE | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS76

Notes

THE CITY PUB GROUP ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2020Designed and produced by: 
Instinctif Partners www.creative.instinctif.com

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The City Pub Group plc
Essel House  
2nd Floor,  
29 Foley Street,  
London, W1W 7TH

0207 559 5106

citypubcompany.com