AN uncertain future lies ahead for staff at the Beefeater restaurant in Brecks as its parent company looks at a new business strategy.

Parent company Whitbread is currently consulting on how to use the building in future – or whether to sell it.

A spokesperson for Whitbread told the Advertiser: “Our proposal is still under consultation so there’s no further local detail I can offer at this stage, other than to say we appreciate it must be unsettling for those who may be impacted.”

Whitbread announced on April 30 that, as part of its proposed new Five-Year Plan, it intends to become a ‘pure-play hotel business’ focused on Premier Inn.

placeholder image — UNDER THREAT: Beefeater at Brecks

At the time Whitbread said: “This change will involve exiting all of our remaining branded restaurants, which trade under brands including Beefeater and Brewers Fayre, a number of which will be converted into approximately 600 additional Premier Inn rooms, with the remainder expected to be sold as going concerns.”

The proposed changes announced build on the company’s Accelerating Growth Plan, announced in 2024, which involved the conversion of over 200 branded restaurants to additional rooms, and the creation of an integrated restaurant in each hotel.

Under the proposal, this would be rolled out to all hotels where there is currently a branded restaurant.

The company said in April: “We recognise the impact of this proposal on colleagues who work at the affected sites.

“As a business which recruits around 15,000 people every year, we expect to be able to retain a significant proportion of those affected and will be looking to redeploy as many of our impacted colleagues as possible.

“However, we do anticipate that the proposed changes, which are subject to consultation, would result in a reduction of around 3,800 roles of a total UK and Ireland workforce of around 30,000.

“We will do all we can to support those colleagues affected.”

Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for transport, jobs, and local economy, Cllr John Williams, said: “We’re sorry to see the closure of the Beefeater at this site, which reflects the wider national programme announced by Whitbread. The pub has been a familiar part of the local hospitality offer for many years, and its loss will be felt by staff, customers, and the wider community.

“At the same time, we recognise Whitbread’s investment in its Premier Inn offer and note that planning permission has been granted to extend the hotel. A further application would be required to convert the pub to an alternative use, and we would welcome discussions with the owners to look at suitable options.

“The local visitor economy and ensuring high-quality accommodation remains available is an important part of supporting growth and attracting people into the borough. We are committed to working proactively with partners to support any future inward investment opportunities that come forward for this site. Our priority is to see it brought back into productive use in a way that creates jobs, supports the local economy and meets the needs of residents and visitors alike.”