Bruce steps down from pub empire

by Catherine Woods - Tuesday, 24th June 2008 -

Pub entrepreneur David Bruce is stepping down as chief executive of Capital Pub Company.

Bruce is reportedly leaving to pursue charitable and other interests although will stay on as a non-executive director.

Capital Pub Company was founded in December 2000 by Bruce and Clive Watson. The duo had a vision to create a company that “would acquire and operate predominantly freehold, managed pubs in London”. Watson will succeed Bruce as CEO.

Real Business spoke to Bruce in 2003. At the time, he said the decision to focus on freehold pubs was to tap into the consumer's desire for "something nostalgic and evocative". He said: “The security of the brand is also the blandness of the brand. Our pubs feel like locals. You’ll get a great welcome, wonderful food in a good honest boozer."

In 1988, Bruce helped set up The Bruce Trust, which offers disabled and elderly people self-catering boating holidays on the UK’s canals.

Picture source

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