The team at Freeths LLP‘s client roster features hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and breweries, amongst others. Overseeing the team are Christopher Ainsworth, who is particularly adept at handling acquisitions, disposals and complex development projects; Leo Skinner, who advises operators of various licensed premises with the remit of issues and is noted for his ’huge experience of property transactions’; and hotel sector transactional expert Heather Davies. Skinner and Ainsworth are Milton Keynes-based, while Davies works from Nottingham.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Freeths have a deep understanding of the hospitality and leisure sector.'
'They have extensive experience in property transaction matters, due diligence and commercial expertise.'
'I've always found them to be responsive, thorough, but also pragmatic when it comes to the legal aspects of property transactions.'
'They're able to hit tight deadlines and inspire a sense of confidence.’
‘Leo Skinner has huge experience of property transactions - clear, thorough, patient and unflappable.'
'Working with Leo Skinner, I have the assurance of knowing that he will have the bases covered and I can worry less.’
Key clients
- The Big Table Group Limited
- Travelodge Hotels Limited
- BKUK Group Limited trading as Burger King
- The Restaurant Group Limited
- Euro Garages Limited
- De Vere Hotels
- Neos CC Stim UK Holdco Ltd
- RedCat Pub Company
- Oakman Inns and Restaurants Ltd
- Bistrot Pierre
- Davys of London (Wine Merchants) Limited
- Red Oak Taverns
- Liberation Group
- Butcombe Brewery
- Punch Taverns
- Admiral Taverns
- Hawthorn Leisure
- MacManus Pub Co
- Rileys Sports Bars
- WH Brakspear and Sons Limited
Work highlights
Advised the Liberty Bar and Restaurant Group on the complex, high value and extremely accelerated pre-pack acquisition of the business and assets of TGI Fridays, an iconic American casual dining chain, saving over 2,000 jobs and more than 50 restaurants across the UK.
Advised Red Oak Taverns Limited on the acquisition of 19 tenanted pubs from Marstons PLC.
Advising The Big Table Group Limited on the property aspects of its acquisition of The Restaurant Group’s leisure division including Frankie and Benny’s and Chiquito.
Practice head
Leo Skinner; Heather Davies; Christopher Ainsworth
Other key lawyers
Lisa Gilligan; Natalie Drought; Selina Norris