A top property firm has just raised its stake in a chain of well-known Ulster pubs and eateries.

Mar properties now has a 75% holding in WEN Inns, which owns around 19 hot entertainment spots across Northern Ireland.

The property group boosted its ownership by 25%, giving it a bigger sway in popular venues such as the Groomsport Inn, the Stables in Groomsport; the Hillside in Hillsborough; and the Bryansburn Inn in Bangor.

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Holdings were also raised in Scandown LLP, bringing the group's control as a partner to two-thirds.

Scandown LLP runs a string of high-profile licensed premises across the province, including the Portaferry Hotel, Hunters and the East Ender in Belfast; and the Auld House at Moneyrea.

MAR has a 50% interest in many other licensed premises in Counties Down and Antrim.

The Esplanade Bar in Bangor; the Tipsy Toad in Lisburn; and the Hedgehog & Bucket in Belfast to name a few.

Group boss Robin Horner said: "Previously these pubs came under what was loosely called the Jewel Group, although there was no such legal company entity.

"We have now taken steps to provide a more robust financial platform for all our licensed outlets."

(PR/JM)