Amber Taverns Welcomes New Leadership with Mark Brooke as CEO
Company - People | May 22, 2025 | Epiris Managers LLP
Amber Taverns, a prominent pub operator with 182 establishments across the UK, is preparing for a strategic management transition. Founder and current CEO James Baer will assume the role of Chairman, while Mark Brooke will step in as CEO starting mid-August 2025. Brooke brings extensive experience from his former role at Admiral Taverns and previous positions at Hawthorn Leisure and Ei Group. His expertise in operator-managed business models aligns well with Amber Taverns' strategy, which focuses on wet-led pubs featuring sports and live entertainment. The company, backed by private equity firm Epiris Managers LLP, aims to expand further, especially in the South of England. Both Baer and Brooke are optimistic about the future growth and evolution of Amber Taverns, emphasizing the importance of community and investor support.
Sectors
- Hospitality
- Private Equity
Geography
- United Kingdom – Amber Taverns operates over 182 pubs across the UK, and is actively expanding in the South of England.
Industry
- Hospitality – Amber Taverns operates within the hospitality sector, specifically focusing on the management of pubs offering community-oriented experiences.
- Private Equity – Epiris Managers LLP, as the private equity firm backing Amber Taverns, represents the investment and financial support aspect of the industry.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amber Taverns | Target Company | Company | A leading operator of 182 high-quality freehold community, wet-led pubs in the UK. |
| Epiris Managers LLP | Private Equity Firm | Company | The private equity firm supporting Amber Taverns. |
| Mark Brooke | Incoming CEO | Person | Experienced operator joining Amber Taverns as CEO in August 2025. |
| James Baer | Outgoing CEO/Chairman | Person | Founder of Amber Taverns, transitioning from CEO to Chairman. |
| Admiral Taverns | Former Employer of Mark Brooke | Company | Mark Brooke served as MD of the operator-managed division before joining Amber Taverns. |