Ale Hub

About Ale Hub

Ale Hub is a family-run pub business established by the McDiarmid family in 2019 and led by managing director Connor McDiarmid. With nine locations across the Midlands, the brand specialises in quality cask and craft beers, spirits and cocktails at competitive prices.

Its distinctive wet-led concept focuses exclusively on drinks, offering welcoming, adult-oriented venues without televisions or gaming machines. By encouraging conversation and social interaction, Ale Hub aims to revitalise the traditional local pub experience.

Operating from smaller premises helps maintain lower overheads, while a premium drinks offering supports competitive margins. According to the company, its bars generate combined annual revenue exceeding £1.5 million, excluding VAT.

With a focus on cellar management, cleanliness and customer service, Ale Hub is seeking franchise partners across the Midlands and surrounding regions, offering an established operating model and ongoing business support.

Why franchise with Ale Hub

• ✓Established family-run pub brand offering a welcoming, community-focused hospitality experience.
• ✓Proven drinks-led operating model specialising in quality beers, spirits and cocktails.
• ✓Smaller premises and low overheads help franchise partners manage day-to-day operating costs.
• ✓Comprehensive initial training and ongoing operational support from an experienced pub team.
• ✓Site selection and fit-out assistance, supported by established brand standards and procedures.
• ✓Competitive supplier pricing and access to business finance options for eligible applicants.

Investment breakdown

Minimum investment	£81,300
Management service fee	Up to 10% of revenue, operating on a sliding scale

What's expected of a franchisee

Property requirements

Ale Hub seeks smaller commercial premises to support its low-overhead, drinks-led pub concept. Suitable properties include high-street units, existing pubs and other commercial locations with space for a bar, customer seating, cellar facilities and storage. Franchisees receive assistance with site selection, using established performance data, alongside guidance on venue layouts, design, fit-out and refurbishment costs to maintain consistent brand standards.

Training and support

Ale Hub provides franchisees with training and ongoing support covering pub operations, cellar management, product quality and customer service. Partners receive assistance with site selection, venue layouts, fit-out, refurbishment and opening preparations. Support also includes supplier relationships, competitive purchasing arrangements, events planning and promotional activities. The executive team provides ongoing operational guidance and access to established business finance relationships.

Operational requirements

Ale Hub operates a drinks-led pub model without food service, allowing franchisees to focus on customer experience and efficient operations. Daily responsibilities include staff management, drinks service, stock control, cellar maintenance and monitoring business performance. Franchisees must comply with licensing regulations, follow established operating procedures and maintain brand standards. Community engagement and events planning also help encourage repeat visits and build customer loyalty.

Experience required

Ale Hub welcomes enthusiastic, customer-focused individuals who enjoy creating welcoming, community-led pubs. Previous hospitality experience is not essential, as training and ongoing support are provided. Ideal franchisees should have strong communication and organisational skills, a willingness to learn and the ability to build local customer relationships. The opportunity suits both first-time business owners and experienced entrepreneurs committed to maintaining brand standards.

Territory availability