Troubled Hanwell Pub Gets a New Start
Punch Pubs completes takeover of The Grosvenor
The Grosvenor pub in Hanwell
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June 4, 2026
Punch Pubs & Co has acquired The Grosvenor as part of a five-site deal with RedCat Hospitality, marking a new chapter for the Hanwell that has had a troubled recent history.
The acquisition, announced this week, forms part of Punch’s wider expansion strategy to operate “quality community pubs” and follows an earlier eight-package deal between the two companies.
The transaction also includes The Meynell Ingram Arms in Hoar Cross near Burton-on-Trent, The Cherry Tree in Rochford, The Dam Inn in Wakefield, and The Blue Bell in Rothley, Leicestershire.
Punch Pubs CEO Andy Spencer said the new additions “each bring their own unique character, heritage and role at the heart of their local community,” adding that the company intends to invest for the long term and work closely with publicans to “inspire those moments for guests and the community.”
RedCat Hospitality CEO Richard Lewis described the sale as “the next step in our strategy to strengthen our position as the UK’s leading operator of premium pubs with rooms,” thanking staff for their work and expressing confidence that the pubs would “continue to thrive under Punch’s stewardship.”
The Grosvenor, on Oaklands Road, was prosecuted by Ealing Council earlier this year after inspectors uncovered a serious and persistent mouse infestation. The case, heard at Ealing Magistrates’ Court in April, resulted in fines and costs totalling more than £52,000 for RedCat Retail Pubs Ltd, which pleaded guilty to multiple food hygiene offences.
Council officers found widespread evidence of mice in the kitchen and basement during inspections throughout 2024, including droppings on food preparation surfaces and gnawed packaging. The pub was temporarily closed under a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice before reopening after remedial work. It later achieved a four-star hygiene rating in January 2026 following improvements.
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, cabinet member for decent living incomes, said at the time that rodent infestations in food businesses were “completely unacceptable” and that the council would “take firm action to protect residents.”
The Grosvenor was also indirectly associated with the killing of Dariusz Serafin, who was fatally attacked nearby in 2023. The original incident did not take place in the pub and he entered the premises to ask for help
It is hoped that Punch Pubs’ takeover will bring investment and stability to The Grosvenor, which remains open and currently serves drinks only. The company has not yet announced specific refurbishment plans, but its acquisition statement emphasised partnership with “passionate publicans” and long-term commitment to local communities.
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