New senior team announced for Epic, Heroic and Aspley Pub groups

Rufus Hall has been named chairman of the Epic Pubs, Heroic Pubs and Aspley Pubs groups as Jo Probert takes the position of managing director.

The groups, which are backed by private equity firm Rockpool Investments, have 11 pubs between them with further acquisitions being sought.

Hall is also chairman of Rockpool backed Urban Village Pub Company and Metropolitan Village Pub Company.

Probert (pictured), formerly of Stonegate Pub Company's Slug & Lettuce brand, said: "We are building a pub company of really great British pubs with fresh, quality, handcrafted food and standout specials boards. We see our general managers and head chefs as at the front of the business leading teams.

"We want our sites to be seen by customers as independent pubs, at the heart of their local communities. We want them to be the first choice for local people to go to have a drink, a sandwich or enjoy more extravagant dishes."

Lisa Burbidge has been appointed company secretary.

Epic Pub Company upbraided over ‘booze barrow' ad>>